Australian Speedster Pat Cummins Suggests A Substitute For Saliva

Australian speedster Pat Cummins has once again weighed in on the usage of substances to shine the ball post the COVID-19 pandemic. On this occasion, he has indicated a substitute for the saliva, which looks to face a ban from its usage. The cricketing fraternity and fans are keen as ever for the sport to resume, which has seen it’s longest halt since the World War days. And while some cricketing boards have contemplated restarting the same, there remains plenty of issues that need addressing, one of which is managing the ball.

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In one of the most recent news, ICC has recommended the prohibition of the usage of saliva to shine the ball. Given the current health risk, various cricketing experts have doubts about whether saliva and sweat can still be used. The coronavirus has the maximum chance to spread rapidly when bodily fluids of a person come in contact with various surfaces. However, it is equally crucial to assist the bowlers in a game, which is already heavily skewed in the batsmen’s favour.

Earlier, Pat Cummins opined that the resumption of cricket might be futile if bowlers can’t use saliva or sweat to use to shine the ball. Instead, the 27-year old believes that if saliva gets eradicated, the requirement should be to have another option. Pat Cummins went on to say that having sweat helps; however; wax is another choice to put in place. The Australian spearhead understands the hazard associated with using saliva, but it is vital to have something artifical and keeping their options open for the same.

“If we remove saliva, we have to have another option. Sweat is not bad, but I think we need something more than that, ideally. Whatever that is, wax or I don’t know what. If that’s what that science is telling us, that it’s high risk using saliva… as long as we’re keeping other options open, whether that’s sweat or something artificial.” Cummins said as quoted by Cricket.com.au

“I’m glad they have let sweat remain” – Pat Cummins

The number one Test bowler is relieved that the apex body has let sweat remain in the scheme of things and only put saliva for the ban. He is hopeful to have more perspiration at the start of the spell when cricketing events resume. At the same time, Cummins wants saliva to be legalised at some point and go back to how it was.

“We have to be able to shine the ball somehow so I’m glad they’ve let sweat remain. We’ve just got to make sure at the start of the spell we’re sweating and we’re nice and warm. Hopefully we’ll get to a stage where saliva is deemed safe. Hopefully, we can go back to that, to how it was.” the New South Wales bowler added.

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