Pakistan captain Inzamam calls for scrapping super-sub rule by AFP

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Player:

Inzamam-ul-Haq

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DateLine: 14th December 2005

 

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq Wednesday called for scrapping the newly introduced super-sub rule in one-day cricket and suggested that the naming of a substitute player should be allowed after the toss if the rule was to continue.

 

"In the first place, (the) super-sub rule should be scrapped from limited-overs cricket," Inzamam told reporters ahead of Thursday's day-night one-dayer against England.

 

"If the rule was to be continued naming of substitute player should be allowed after the toss," he said.

 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced a substitute system in May this year which allows sides to replace a player at any stage of a one-day international.

 

The replaced player is ruled out of the rest of the match, while the replacement is entitled to assume any remaining batting or bowling duties.

 

But the rule has come under criticism as a substitute has to be named before the toss, making it more favourable for the team winning the toss.

 

Australian captain Ricky Ponting also called for the rule to be scrapped in its current form, while South African captain Graeme Smith and Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer called for its review.

 

The ICC, however, justified the rule and said it would remain on trial until March next year.

 

Pakistan's first use of the rule was spoiled when they lost the toss during their 42-run loss in the first match in Lahore on Saturday.

 

Pakistan levelled the series with a thumping seven-wicket win in Monday's second match, also played in Lahore.

 

Inzamam defended naming off-spinner Arshad Khan as super-sub in both the matches.

 

"We named Arshad because we thought the pitch at Lahore stadium would help spinners," said Inzamam.

 

In contrast, England's super-sub Liam Plunkett came into the side for Kevin Pietersen and took 3-51 on debut on Saturday, and Vikram Solanki came into bat as super-sub in the second match, scoring 38 not out.

 

England, already without their injured captain Michael Vaughan and spinner Ashley Giles, were further hit after hard-hitting batsman Kevin Pietersen had to return home Tuesday with back problem and rib cage injury.

 

The tourists, who said they don't need Pietersen's replacement, arrived in the troubled city of Karachi Wednesday afternoon and were escorted to team hotel under heavy security.

 

England, who rejected Karachi as a five-day Test venue, only agreed to play in the violence-hit city after assurances of fool-proof security from the Pakistani government.

 

Pakistan will be boosted by the return of all-rounder Shahid Afridi who was banned for two one-dayers and one Test over charges of damaging the pitch during the second England Test at Faisalabad.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)