In cricket, the spotlight often shines on flamboyant batters, fearsome bowlers, and match-winning all-rounders. But lurking in the shadows of these headlines is a lesser-known figure — the substitute fielder. Often perceived as a passive presence, these players are usually called upon to fill in for a short time, sometimes without even a ball coming their way. But when opportunity meets preparation, magic can happen.
Some substitute fielders have etched their names in cricketing folklore by pulling off improbable run-outs, game-turning catches, and match-defining moments — all while technically not being part of the official playing XI. In high-stakes matches where every run matters and momentum is king, these players have shown that a moment of brilliance in the field can change everything.
Let’s dive into five unforgettable instances where substitute fielders went from anonymous benchwarmers to unforgettable heroes, proving that sometimes, it’s the quietest roles that carry the loudest impact.
5. T. Natarajan’s Fielding Impact – India vs Australia, Brisbane 2021 (4th Test)
Moment: Sharp fielding and presence
Substitute Fielder (Early Days): Initially fielded before debut
Impact: Set the tone for India’s “net bowler” heroes
Before officially making his debut, T. Natarajan fielded as a substitute during India’s injury-ravaged series in Australia. He saved multiple runs on the boundary and showed incredible athleticism, lifting team morale during a crunch phase. While not a single game-turning run-out, his cumulative contributions — including fielding — embodied the resilience of that “Gabba win.” Eventually, Natarajan went on to debut in all three formats on the same tour.
4. Wriddhiman Saha’s Stunner – India vs South Africa, 2018 (Cape Town Test)
Moment: One-handed blinder behind the stumps
Substitute Fielder (Wicketkeeper): Wriddhiman Saha
Impact: Triggered SA collapse, led to Indian win
When Saha replaced Parthiv Patel temporarily, he made an immediate impact with a sensational one-handed diving catch off Hardik Pandya to dismiss AB de Villiers. The catch was a turning point as South Africa was well set. Saha’s brief spell behind the stumps created pressure that led to a mini-collapse. India capitalised and pulled off a win in tough conditions.
3. Virat Kohli’s Rocket Throw – India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2009
Moment: Crucial run-out of Mohammad Yousuf
Substitute Fielder: Virat Kohli
Impact: Swung momentum in India’s favour
In an early group match of the 2009 Champions Trophy, young Virat Kohli came on as a substitute and ran out Mohammad Yousuf with a bullet throw from the deep. At that point, Pakistan was cruising. The run-out triggered a collapse and helped India claw back into the match. While India didn’t win the tournament, Kohli’s throw showcased the growing importance of fielding — and how even a substitute can shift the balance.
2. Marnus Labuschagne Steps In – Australia vs India, Lord’s 2019 (2nd Ashes Test)
Moment: Historic first concussion substitute
Substitute Fielder/Batsman: Marnus Labuschagne
Impact: Sparked a new era and changed Labuschagne’s career
After Steve Smith was hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer and ruled out due to concussion, Marnus Labuschagne became the first-ever concussion substitute under the new ICC rules. While primarily a batting substitute, his fielding and presence on the ground also lifted the Australian morale. Labuschagne not only played a crucial knock in the second innings but also helped tighten Australia’s fielding efforts. Though the match ended in a draw, it sparked Labuschagne’s rise to stardom and redefined the impact a substitute can have.
1. Gary Pratt Runs Out Ricky Ponting – Ashes 2005 (4th Test, Trent Bridge)
Moment: Ricky Ponting’s controversial run-out
Substitute Fielder: Gary Pratt (England)
Impact: Changed the momentum of the Ashes series
This is perhaps the most iconic instance of a substitute fielder changing a match. England’s Gary Pratt, not part of the playing XI, came on to the field and produced a moment of magic. He threw down the stumps to run out Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who was well set and could’ve taken the game away. Ponting’s furious reaction to England’s “tactical use” of substitutes added spice to the rivalry, but the damage was done. England seized the advantage and went on to win the Test, eventually regaining the Ashes after 18 years.
READ MORE:
