In a first instance at international cricket, 12 West Indies batsman batted against India in the second Test match at Kingston, Jamaica. The incident occurred in the final innings of the Test match between India and West Indies when the hosts were chasing a massive 468 runs target to level the series. But unfortunately, despite the effort of their 12 players West Indies could not save the game and were demolished by 257 runs. India, with the big victory, won the Test series 2-0 and also completed a series whitewash over the West Indies in their own backyard. Jasprit Bumrah Climbs to 3rd Position in ICC Test Bowler's Rankings.

The 12th player, who batted for the West Indies in their final innings, was Jermaine Blackwood, who came in as a concussion substitute for Darren Bravo. Bravo had to retire hurt following a blow to the head from a Jasprit Bumrah bouncer in the final over of the third day. The 30-year-old came out to bat on the fourth day but was forced to retire after suffering from a late concussion injury. Bravo could only play three overs on Day 4 before leaving the ground. Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami Birthdays: Team India Hold Joint Birthday Celebrations for Both Speedsters after Emphatic Series Whitewash over West Indies.

His injury brought Blackwood to the crease, who became only the second player after Marnus Labuschagne to enter a game as a concussion substitute. Blackwood wasn’t part of West Indies’ playing XI for the second Test but new ICC regulations, which allowed a like-for-like concussion substitute, gave him an opportunity to bat in the second innings.

He was involved in a 61-run partnership with Shamarh Brooks, the home team’s only half-centurion in the two-match Test series. But Brooks’ run-out from a Kohli throw opened the Windies’ floodgates with the final four wickets falling for just 32 runs. The hosts were bowled out for 210 runs and India won by a big margin to seal the series but interestingly West Indies also registered a unique record.

Since this was also the first instance, where the injured player and his consequent substitute also batted, it made West Indies the first team to have 12 players bat in a single inning of a game. Bravo retired hurt on 23 runs, while his replacement Blackwood made 38 before offering a simple catch to wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant off Jasprit Bumrah. Shannon Gabriel also became the first batsman to come at number 12 in a particular inning.

12 players/batsmen batting in a single game or one innings has occurred multiple times in the first-class level, but this was the first time it happened at the international stage. But one additional batsman still couldn’t stop West Indies from suffering another humiliating defeat against India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2019 02:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).