Mistreatment of Hashim Amla highlights cricket's concussion problem

NICK HOWSON AT THE OVAL: The South Africa opener returned after being struck by Jofra Archer in the opening game but was left out three days later against Bangladesh

Virat Kohli's record stands for another few days. The India captain remains the fastest man to 8,000 one-day international runs.

That is because Hashim Amla, who is edging towards usurping the ICC's No.1 ranked batsman, was left out of South Africa's second World Cup match against Bangladesh at The Oval.

Veteran Amla has two innings remaining to eclipse the benchmark of 175 set by Kohli, a record which has stood for nearly two years.

But there are more important things at play here.

That Amla should not be playing is obvious. He was struck by a vicious 90mph Jofra Archer bouncer from just the 23rd ball of the tournament against England three days ago.

Without wanting to go into graphic detail for those of a squeamish disposition, the ball cracked into Amla's grille and snapped his head backwards. That he stayed on his feet is frankly remarkable.

^{Amla was crunched by Archer at The Oval}

Even to the uninitiated, it was clear that Amla was dazed by the blow, removing his helmet for the thousands in attendance and millions watching around the world to see.

After some brief treatment, he retired hurt and was replaced at the crease by Aiden Markram. Two further tests revealed he had not suffered a concussion, but at least he was out of the firing line. Or so we thought.

Less than two hours after taking the initial blow, he returned to the crease to help rebuild a South Africa chase which had slumped to 167 for 6. Another 145 were required in 18 overs. A heroic effort was needed, in other words.

Naturally, he didn't last long and eventually succumbed to a short ball from Liam Plunkett. You can't blame England for that of course, he is fair game by that stage.

For Amla to be permitted to return to bat in the same game that he was struck, but then be deemed unfit to play in a separate game three days later as a "precaution", as skipper Faf du Plessis stated, is a problem.

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It raises several questions. Did South Africa carry out thorough tests on Amla? Did the team risk his long-term health to help them win the game? Has sport become so important in the modern-era that injuries are not important?

I am no medical official. But for a player to 'pass' two concussions tests one day and be omitted as a precautionary measure 72 hours later is shady to say the least. A delayed concussion is common, of course, but it is literally the team doctor's job to foresee such an eventuality.

The reality is that any elite sportsperson in Amla's position, seeing his team in major strife, would have wanted to resume his innings. But this is when medical teams must intervene.

And here is where the rules need changing. Independent doctors are on hand at all ICC affiliated matches to rule on issues including head injuries, so any return to the field requires a double stamp.

But there is insufficient protection for teams in such events. England's County Championship and the Sheffield Shield in Australia permit substitutes in the event of a concussion, providing teams with the chance to make an alteration when required.

That international cricket has yet to implement such rules - an ICC board meeting later this year is set to pass such a regulation - shows how uneven the governing bodies' priorities are. Though perhaps that debate is for another, longer, day.

^{Hughes passed away in November 2014}

Sport, even cricket which has suffered significant tragedy, still has an uncomfortable relationship with head injuries. There remains a macho, indestructible stereotype which accompanies elite competition which badly needs throwing on the scrapheap.

Furthermore, the language used to describe such incidents don't help either. Smelling salts and the magic sponge are often jokingly suggested as possible antidotes and such quips undermine the debate

Former England captain Nasser Hussain was on commentary during the Amla incident and described the 36-year-old as a "brave man" and that he needed to "go off and have a lie down". This only adds to the facade that head injuries can be treated with a band-aid.

Cricket should have already had its watershed moment. Phil Hughes' death in 2014 was a tragedy in the extreme. It shouldn't need another wake-up call. Let's hope everyone takes note.

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