Who is Matthew Parkinson, England’s first concussion substitute

Lancashire spinner Matthew Parkinson has been confirmed as Jack Leach’s concussion replacement in the ongoing Test between England and New Zealand at the Lord’s Stadium, London. 

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Parkinson made his Test debut as England’s first concussion substitue. The 25-year-old was summoned from Manchester early Thursday after Leach fell down chasing a ball to the boundary in the sixth over of the day.

Jack Leach, who last played international cricket in England in 2019, saved the runs but hit his head on the ground with force. As per ICC rules, a ‘like-for-like replacement’ was approved by the match refree, getting Parkinson into the picture. 

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An ECB statement read: “Jack Leach has symptoms of concussion following his head injury whilst fielding. As per concussion guidelines, he has been withdrawn from this Test.”

Who is Matthew Parkinson? 

Parkinson, a spinner from Lancashire, made his Test debut after first playing his first international game (T20I) in 2019. The 25-year-old has taken 24 wickets for Lancashire in the County Championship this season following a tour of the Caribbean in March. 

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Matthew Parkinson made his ODI debut against South Africa at Newlands on February 4, 2020. In five 50-over games for England, he has taken as many wickets. He bowled at an economy of 5.86 rpo and his best match figures are 2/28. 

In T20Is, he has taken four wickets in as many games at an economy rate of 9.5 rpo. His best figures are 4/47. 

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Parkinson did not bowl vs New Zealand on Thursday as the Kiwis were dismissed for 132 runs in 40 overs. James Anderson was England’s top bowler. The 39-year-old picked four wickets for 66 runs. 

Another debutant, Matthew Potts, picked four wickets for 13 runs. 

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England were 19/0 at Tea. 

England: Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Matty Potts, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult