Ben Lister becomes first 'COVID replacement' in cricket

The Plunket Shield in New Zealand became the first tournament to feature a 'COVID replacement', in keeping with the new interim playing regulations in world cricket.

Ben Lister turned out for Auckland in their match against Otago, starting Tuesday, 20 October, in place of Mark Chapman. Chapman reported feeling ill on Monday, and as per the new precautions in place during the global pandemic, will await the results of his COVID-19 test.

In June, the ICC had cleared changes to playing conditions to allow substitutes in Test cricket if a player showed symptoms of the virus.

Lister, a left-arm medium pacer, took 1/40 in the first innings. Chapman can come into the XI if his tests are cleared.

Gary Stead, New Zealand coach, who was watching the game, said: "From my perspective, it's great that he (Chapman) is not penalised for doing the right thing in what is obviously different times we face in the world.

"Just shows that we and cricket aren't immune to that either, so following the right protocols is definitely the right thing to do."