Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed the trial of a new injury substitute rule during the first five rounds of this year's Sheffield Shield. The new rule enables teams to bring on like-for-like substitutes for injured players, and the opposing team can make a tactical switch too. CA intends to pass on the findings to the ICC with ongoing talk regarding the implementation of injury substitutes in Test cricket. Important Details About the New Rule The rule enables a player to be substituted for any sickness or injury during the course of the first two days of a Sheffield Shield match. The replacement players have to be like-for-like, i.e., Fast bowler for fast bowler Spinner for spinner Batter for batter Also Read | Mohsin Naqvi Under Fire for War Comment After India’s Asia Cup Win If a team opts to use the rule, the visiting team can make a tactical switch in return, but the replacement player has to be of a similar type of skill as the injured player. All injured players subbed out incur a compulsory 12-day non-playing period from the second day of the match. Concussion substitutes are still unlimited and can be utilized over all four days of a match. The teams have to seek endorsement from the match referee, who will decide whether the injury is genuine and can impose limitations on the substitute. For instance, a batter might be prohibited from bowling if the player being substituted only bowls occasionally. The replaced player's disciplinary warning automatically carries over to the substitute. Implementation and Logistics Typically, teams take 12 players, but Western Australia and visiting teams to WA can take 13 because of logistical issues. There is the facility for away teams to fly in a cover if necessary on days one and two. CA recommends teams taking an extra fast bowler, since most injuries over time are to fast bowlers. The trial is designed to safeguard players, uphold competitive balance, and give feedback for potential ICC adoption. Games played during the trial period will remain first-class, and CA will gather feedback from the six state teams on the efficacy of the trial. Changes may then be made after the initial five rounds.