CREASE BOUND

The Covid19 replacement rule is a stinker. Seamer Ben Lister replaced batsman Mark Chapman on day one of Auckland’s Plunket Shield match against Otago this week. Once Chapman, who reported sick on Monday, got the allclear, he returned to take his place in the batting order on day two. Noone is saying Auckland exploited the rule purposely. But the fact is the Aces got to play an extra bowler when they were in the field and replaced him with a batsmen when they were batting. It is the sort of tinkering you do during a preseason game, not a proper firstclass fixture. Any replacement should be likeforlike but we are told a rule like that was a logistical challenge. But, hey, we put a man on the moon.