Jonny Bairstow became the second county cricketer to be replaced by a substitute under the competition's new rules for this season.
Jonny Bairstow suffers finger injury in action for Yorkshire
Yorkshire travelled to Cardiff to take on Glamorgan in the first round of fixtures in the 2026 County Championship. Skipper Bairstow won the toss and put the hosts in to bat but inclement weather meant only 36 overs were possible on day one (Friday). Glamorgan eventually made 302, courtesy of a century from Colin Ingram.
Bairstow was struck on the thumb while keeping, before Yorkshire began their batting innings on day two, making it to 1-0 by stumps. On the morning of day three (Sunday), the club issued the following statement: "Yorkshire have taken advantage of the new substitution rule in this season’s County Championship following Jonny Bairstow’s right thumb injury.
"Will Luxton is in and can bat.
"Bairstow will now miss the next Championship match against Hampshire at Headingley under the rules. Any players subbed out miss the next eight calendar days (not eight days of cricket)."
Match 5, Glamorgan vs Yorkshire
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What are the County Championship's new substitution rules?
As part of the trialling of player substitutes at first-class level in the case of injury, the ECB extended their regulations to also include illness and "significant life events". Replacements in the case of injury or illness need to be signed off on by both teams' medical officers, and the player replaced will be unavailable for a period of eight days. For "significant life events", both chief executives must sign off.
Earlier in the round, Essex's Tom Westley became the first player replaced due to injury after being struck on the glove by Sonny Baker.
Yorkshire were eventually bowled out for 226 on day three. Luxton, Bairstow's replacement, scored 14 as Matthew Revis top-scored with 50. Sam Whiteman (48), Adam Lyth (37), Dom Bess (32) and Ben Coad (12) were the others to make it to double figures.
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