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ICC had prohibited the use of saliva as it sparked a huge health code during the emergence of COVID-19 six years ago.
‘Appealing To Allow Use Of Saliva’: Mohammed Shami Makes Earnest Request To ICC (Picture credit: AP)
Star India pacer Mohammed Shami has said that reverse swing has taken a beating ever since the use of saliva was prohibited, and he would like the International Cricket Council to revert the rule to bring reverse swing into play again.
The use of saliva was a common means for pacers across the world to keep the shine intact on one half of the old ball, helping in reverse swing.
This particular art of pace bowling has already been a non-existent factor in ODIs, with two new balls being used from either end.
“We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game. We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva, and it will be interesting with the reverse swing,” Shami said while speaking to the media after the end of the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia in Dubai.
Shami starred once again in an ICC event game for India after finishing with figures of 3/48 in 10 overs.
Shami admitted that operating as India’s lone frontline pacer after coming back from a lengthy injury layoff has been a heavy responsibility, but he said that he is looking to regain his rhythm to suit the side’s requirements in the ICC tournament.
Throughout the Champions Trophy in Dubai, Shami has shared the new ball duties with either Harshit Rana or Hardik Pandya due to the injury-forced absence of ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
Rana is still learning the ropes, while Pandya is an all-rounder and bowling 10 overs in an ODI isn’t his territory. Shami has till now picked eight wickets in the Champions Trophy.
“I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more to the team. It is a responsibility when there are no two proper pacers, and I have to shoulder more responsibility,” Shami said.
The star India pacer added that his workload is heavier without Bumrah steaming in at the other end, but he is looking to give over 100% to the role.
“There is a load when you are the one main pacer, and the other is an all-rounder. You have to pick wickets and lead from the front,” Shami said.
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