Given the backing of seasoned pacemakers including SA’s Vernon Philander and NZ’s Tim Southee, Star India pacer Mohammed Shami‘s plea to the ICC to reverse their permission of saliva use has gained fresh momentum.
Across continents, the use of spit was a popular technique for fast bowlers to preserve half of the old ball’s shine, therefore contributing to reverse swing.
Originally published in May 2020 as a stopgap solution, the prohibition on saliva use came during the COVID-19 outbreak. The ICC next declared the prohibition permanent in September 2022.
Shami has earlier discussed how that reverse swing has taken a hit since the use of saliva was banned; he would want the ICC to reverse their ruling.
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Shami informed journalists following India’s four-wicket victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final that “We are trying [to get reverse swing], but the usage of saliva on the ball is not allowed.”
“Repeatedly we maintain that we should be permitted to use saliva so we may bring reverse swing back into the game and it become captivating.”
Shami now has the support of two ex- international bowlers in Vernon Philander and Tim Southee who believe that reverse bowling is certainly lacking in the game, notably on ground suitable for batting.
Asked about ESPNcricinfo’s Match Day, Southee said, “That was a rule introduced around Covid with the virus spreading worldwide, but I think you would want to have a small edge as a bowler.”
We observe the game going as it is and teams frequently scoring 362 and usually above 300 in this style. I believe the bowlers should have something in their favor, and if that is a bit of saliva, sure, I don’t see why they couldn’t be able to have it back.”
Moreover supporting Southee’s remarks, Philander said, “I want to see that aspect being returned into the game since I believe it is required as well.
