Canberra, Dec 4 : Australia captain Aaron Finch played down the matter of India bringing in leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal as concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja in the first T20I after the decision appeared to have irked Australia head coach Justin Langer who was seen discussing the issue with match referee David Boon at the Manuka Oval on Friday.
Chahal took three for 25 to become the first concussion substitute to win man of the match award.
“Their doctor had ruled Jadeja out due to concussion. You can’t be challenging a medical expert’s opinion,” said Finch putting to rest the controversy.
India skipper Virat Kohli said, “There were no plans of having Yuzi (Yuzvendra Chahal) in the game. Concussion replacements are a strange thing. Today, it worked for us. Yuzi showed character to squeeze the opponents.” Jadeja was seen limping immediately after being hit on the head by a Mitchell Starc delivery in the 20th over of the Indian innings. The all-rounder had also taken a break after the third ball of the 19th over and his injury, which looked like a hamstring, had to be tended to.
Jadeja made an unbeaten 23-ball 44 with the help of five fours and a six. The injury, however, did not impact his big-hitting as he hit 24 off the next seven balls he faced to take India to 161/7. But the way he walked off the field after the innings did not make for a pleasant sight.
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