Top 10 changes in cricket in the past decade

#3. Concussion substitutes

Steve Smith was the first player to be substituted in an international game following a concussion

Late in 2014, Australia's Phil Hughes succumbed to a head injury sustained while battling a vicious bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match. The incident left the entire cricketing world shell-shocked. The ICC took note of the incident and rolled out a trial for concussion substitutes in the Australian and English domestic circuits.

From the Ashes series (that started from the 1st of August this year), the ICC introduced this rule in all men's and women's international matches. The rule allows a concussed player to be replaced by a 'like-for-like' replacement in the playing XI. However, the replacement must be approved by the match referee.

During the final day of the 2nd Ashes test this year, Australia's Steve Smith became the first international player to be replaced when he showed delayed signs of concussion after being hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer. Marnus Labuschagne was his like-for-like replacement in the playing XI.