second string
noun /ˌsekənd ˈstrɪŋ/
/ˌsekənd ˈstrɪŋ/
(especially North American English)- the players in a sports team who are available to replace those who start a game; one of these players
- United's second string were in Reserve Cup action last night.
- Wilson was a second string for New Zealand in last week's match.