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Shami has previously talked about how that reverse swing has taken a beating ever since the use of saliva was prohibited and how he would like to see the ICC overturn their decision.
Mohammed Shami (AP Photo)
Star India pacer Mohammed Shami’s plea to ICC to revert their decision on allowing the use of saliva has found new support, as stalwart pacers such as SA’s Vernon Philander and NZ’s Tim Southee have backed the Indian’s appeal.
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.
The ban on using saliva was first posted in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a temporary measure. Then, in September 2022, the ICC made the ban permanent.
Shami has previously talked about how that reverse swing has taken a beating ever since the use of saliva was prohibited and how he would like to see the ICC overturn their decision.
“We are trying [to get reverse swing], but the usage of saliva on the ball is not allowed,” Shami told reporters after India’s four-wicket win over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final.
“We keep appealing that we should be allowed to use saliva so that we can bring reverse swing back into the game and it becomes interesting.”
Now, Shami has also got the backing of two former international bowlers in Vernon Philander and Tim Southee, who feel reverse swing is definitely missing in the game, especially on batter-friendly surfaces.
“That was a rule brought around Covid with the virus going around the world, but I think as a bowler, you want to have a slight advantage,” Southee said on ESPNcricinfo’s Match Day.
“We see the game going the way it’s going and seeing sides score 362 and more often than not over 300 in this format. I think there needs to be something in the bowlers’ favour, and whether that’s a little bit of saliva, then yeah, I don’t see why they couldn’t afford to get that back in.”
Philander also backed Southee’s comments, stating, “I’d like to see that element being brought back into the game because I think it’s needed as well. I mean, especially in ODI cricket where we see batters really dominating, especially when you play on surfaces like we’ve just seen in Pakistan as well where it’s really batter friendly.”
