‘New concussion rule makes us safer’

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE bowler Nathan Buck believes concussion substitutes will stop players risking further injury after he became the latest cricketer to be replaced having suffered a nasty blow to the head. Just a day after Australia batsman Steve Smith was withdrawn from the second Ashes Test after being struck by a vicious bouncer from Jofra Archer, Buck was removed from the County Championship clash against Worcestershire. The 28-year-old was batting as a nightwatchman on Sunday evening when he ducked into an 85mph bouncer from Josh Tongue. He was struck on the neck guard at the back of his helmet — the protectors that Smith chose not to wear. ‘I was trying to duck under it instead of having a filthy hack but it didn’t get up as much as it should have,’ Buck told Sportsmail. ‘There was a bit of panic. I thought it had missed my helmet as I was in a lot of pain. I wanted to play on but tests showed I had mild concussion and if I got hit again it could’ve been really bad.’ Buck, now home and sporting a lump where he was struck, was removed from the game and replaced by Blessing Muzarabani. ECB regulations brought in last year mean any player who suffers concussion can be replaced by a ‘like-forlike’ replacement who is allowed to bat and bowl. ‘The concussion sub makes you feel less under pressure to carry on for your team. You don’t feel you’re letting them down,’ added Buck. ‘If they weren’t in place, I can guarantee more people would carry on and run the risk. The new protocols have created a much safer environment.’