With ICC’s new ban on the use of saliva, cricketers around the globe are in a sort of dilemma. The change came in response to fight the current pandemic situation. ICC’s Technical Committee chaired by Former Indian Cricketer & Coach Mr. Anil Kumble, prohibited the use of Saliva based on the research carried out by the medical advisory committee of ICC, which suggested that there is a higher chance of infection transmission using saliva.
Current & Former Cricket players especially fast bowlers have shown their dissatisfaction with the new rule as they think that would be a great disadvantage to bowlers. Due to no use of salvia they might not be able to perform to their full potential.
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Why Do Bowlers Apply Saliva On the Ball?
Swing bowling is the greatest weapon in any bowler’s arsenal. Movement of the ball in the air towards or away from the batsman does the trick most of the time. Usually, bowlers are able to swing the new ball due to shine on the new ball but as the ball gets old due to wear & tear the ability of the ball to swing gets lost that is why bowlers or teammates use saliva/sweat thought out the match to keep the shine on at least one side of the ball while keeping the other side rough. This way bowlers can try both inswing & outside bowling. So it is the science behind the swing where saliva/sweat is really necessary. If you want to know about VIP league which is best sports streaming website then read my article VipLeague Alternatives.
Why Dissatisfaction in Bowlers due to the Saliva Ban?
When we talk about today’s cricket it has become more batsman-friendly with all the new regulations like fielding restrictions, flat pitches, smaller boundaries & super bats. Now with this saliva ban coming into play bowlers would again be on the wrong side of the game as their ability to take wickets with the help of swing or spin bowling would not be as lethal as it should be. There are very few bowling friendly pitches or ground left around the world as of now. The subcontinent has always been a place where the bowlers struggle to get wickets their only hope was the ability to swing the ball but that being taken away is a real blow to them. Multiple former & current cricketers have voiced their opinion about the same but ICC is yet to change or modify this decision keeping the safety of players in their mind.
What’s the alternative?
ICC has suggested using sweat instead of saliva, which was also previously used by the players but that is not as effective according to the current & past players since it is not that much thick & doesn’t last that much longer. Players also suggested allowing artificial shinner but ICC currently doesn’t have any plans for that at the moment. So now players are asking ICC to make sure pitches are bowlers friendly so that the games don’t get boring & one-sided affairs.
