CA, which released the Curtain review into the death of Phillip Hughes on Wednesday, has submitted a paper to the ICC outlining its case for replacements to be allowed in first-class matches without the loss of first-class status. The issue will be discussed at a meeting of the ICC's cricket committee, of which national coach Darren Lehmann is a member, on May 31 and June 1 at Lord's.

It's believed CA has the support of several other countries on the initiative, which, if introduced, would be a radical change to the game but one in line with progressive attitudes towards concussion in world sport. It could also pave the way for replacement players in international cricket.

The ICC is considering its approach to concussion but there are concerns as to whether all member nations have the resources to implement policies as robust as Australia and England's. The governing body rejected a push in 2014 to bring in substitutes for injured players.

Federation of International Cricketers' Associations boss Tony Irish cannot see why the ICC would reject concussion substitutes. "It requires change to ICC classification of first-class cricket but I can't see any reason behind it being knocked back," Irish said. "It makes sense.

"These days with the changes at the ICC I'd be surprised if there wasn't a strong movement for that. These types of issues are easier to get done."

CA chief James Sutherland did not believe there was "advanced thinking" in world cricket on concussion substitutes. One issue that would need to be considered would be how substitutes are selected so that it is not open to manipulation for an unfair advantage.

CA is seeking approval from its playing conditions advisory committee to allow replacements for concussed players in all its elite domestic male and female competitions, apart from the Sheffield Shield, which needs ICC approval to retain its first-class status.

Sutherland said CA was looking to strike a balance between player safety and maintaining the traditions of the game.

"You can make the game of cricket a lot safer by playing with a tennis ball, but that's not how Test cricket has been played and it would obviously be a very different game," Sutherland said.

"We're not wanting to go there, but we do need to find the right balance in the circumstances to not compromise the way the game's played and not compromise the way in which the players are best equipped to show their skills.

"I encourage discussion and debate not just limited to concussion but more broadly around substitutes at elite cricket level, even though it's a significant compromise or difference to the way the game's been played."

CA is making the wearing of helmets compulsory for batsmen facing fast or medium-paced bowling in all matches under its auspices, and in training sessions.

Wicketkeepers must also wear helmets when standing up to the stumps; so, too, fielders within seven metres of the bat with the exception of those fielding behind square on the off side.

However, the Curtain review found the mandated British Standard helmet would not have protected Hughes from the blow that delivered his fatal injuries.

Curtain said there was limited evidence the neck guards worn by many players after Hughes's death would prevent a similar tragedy and called for more research before making them compulsory.

"However, the fact that it is being worn by an increasing number of international cricketers following Phillip's death is an indication that, even without evaluation, they see it as providing additional safety to them," the report said.

"If it is evaluated as satisfactory, I recommend it or an equivalent be required to be worn as part of the helmet."