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Put number on companion with popular record and bat as substitute (5-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pinch-hit

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'bat as substitute' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'put number on companion with popular record' is the wordplay.
'put number on' becomes 'pin' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'companion' becomes 'ch' (Companion of Honour).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'popular record' becomes 'hit' (I've seen this before).
'pin'+'ch'+'hit'='PINCH-HIT'

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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