Bangladesh forced to name two concussion replacements on opening day of Kolkata pink-ball Test

Nayeem Hasan and Liton Das were both struck on the helmet by India seamer Mohammad Shami within five deliveries of each other and have been removed from the game as a precautionary measure

Bangladesh have become the first international side to turn to two concussion replacements in the same match after Nayeem Hasan and Liton Das both suffered helmet blows during the opening day of their inaugural floodlit Test match in Kolkata.

India seamer Mohammed Shami struck both players in the space of five deliveries, with Bangladesh languishing at 64 for 6 when Liton misjudged a hook shot and took a blow by the badge on the front of his helmet. Although the wicketkeeper remained at the crease following initial checks by team medics, hitting two further boundaries, he opted to retire hurt mid-way through the next over.

After a session break, Shami's subsequent set began with a sharp rising bouncer that Nayeem Hasan was unable to evade. Again, despite being struck on the side of the helmet and being assessed by staff from both sides, 18-year-old Nayeem was initially cleared to continue and collected 19 runs before being bowled by Ishant Sharma.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, both players have been taken to hospital for precautionary checks and will therefore have no further part in the second and final match of Bangladesh's maiden Test tour of their neighbouring nation, with bowler Taijul Islam drafted in for Nayeem and allrounder Mehidy Hasan the only suitable player to come in for Liton.

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After a significant season-long trial across first-class competitions in England and Australia, the ICC implemented regulations allowing like-for-like replacements in case of suspected mid-match head injuries ahead of the launch of the World Test Championship in August.

However, no suitable specialist batsman was available in the Bangladesh touring party, which has been significantly hit by injury to the uncapped Saif Hassan, withdrawals of Mossadek Hossain and Tamim Iqbal, and the year-long ban given to former captain Shakib Al Hasan. As such, match referee Ranjan Madugalle has given permission for Mehidy to replace Liton if he doesn't bowl.

Mohammad Mithun, who had earlier been selected as specialist batsmen at the start of the Test, has taken over Liton's wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the match. Mushfiqur Rahim, who has worn the gloves in 55 Test matches, had announced ahead of the tour that he wishes to focus on his batting in the red ball game going forward.

The protocol had only been implemented three times at Test level prior to this week – Marnus Labuschagne replacing Steve Smith during the Ashes at Lord's, Jermaine Blackwood returning in place of the injured Darren Bravo against India in Jamaica, and South Africa's Theunis de Bruyn coming in for Dean Elgar in Ranchi last month – however this could soon expand further.

After being struck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer this morning, New Zealand's Henry Nicholls will be evaluated for any onset symptoms ahead of the third day's play in the opening match in Mount Maunganui. Wellington batsman Tom Blundell has been lined up in case a substitution is indeed required.

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