All original content on this site is © 2004 - 2006 CAITE Inc. All borrowed images and articles remain copyrighted to their owners and no claim of ownership is made.

Gilchrist backs Lehmann on supersub

Source: The Age - November 11, 2005

Australian vice captain Adam Gilchrist has backed Darren Lehmann's push for a revision of the ICC's contentious supersub rule.

Speaking ahead of South Australia's ING Cup encounter with Western Australia at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, Gilchrist said the naming of supersubs after the toss of the coin would improve a rule that has caused much consternation since its introduction during Australia's tour of England.

"I do agree with Darren in that I think he's saying it would be better to name your supersub after the toss... I think it would be more productive for a better game," he said.

"We're all going to be governed by the ICC on this I suppose and I think down the track we'll have to see if they listen to the players who I think generally across the world think that would be better."

Lehmann said this week he might delay naming his side's supersub until after the toss, describing the current regulation as a "shit rule" that gave an unfair advantage to the team which wins the toss.

That move appears to have been quashed by Cricket Australia, which on Thursday released a technical bulletin to teams and umpires saying the supersub could not be changed after the toss unless the relevant player was injured.

One Redback who will remain on the sidelines with injury for the immediate future is Matthew Elliott, who saw a specialist about continued pain and inflammation of his right knee.

SA wicketkeeper Graham Manou said the left-hander would be a loss.

"Matty was starting to come into some form, his two innings against Queensland were really good and it's disappointing to lose a player like that," he said.

"He seems pretty upbeat, he's a lovely character and I'm sure he'll be back as soon as he physically can."