Saliva Ban Will Affect Test Cricket And Not The Shorter Formats: Anil Kumble

ICC’s decision to ban the use of saliva on cricket ball in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has triggered a big debate in cricketing fraternity. The governing body of the game took the decision to mitigate the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus.

Shining the ball with the help of saliva has been an integral part of the game. It helps the bowlers to extract swing. With the players now prohibited from using saliva, many fear that the game will be further tilted in batsmen’s favour. However, Anil Kumble, chairman of ICC’s Cricket Committee, has said that pitches could be utilized to even up the contest between the bat and ball.

The former India skipper said to not allow the use of saliva was a medical decision as rubbing spit could result in spreading the virus, which is highly contagious. The ICC, however, has allowed the players to use sweat although many believe that it won’t make much difference.

“It is a medical decision. We need to untrain and train as that’s the only option we have. The only way that cricket can be played is eliminating saliva as that’s the way of spreading the virus,” Anil Kumble told India Today.

“And yes, it is going to take away some element, but we don’t know just using the sweat will be enough to keep the shine on. that is one element. The other element which is unique to cricket is the pitch, which not necessarily is an advantage to other sport. You can play around with the pitch to keep a balance between the bat and the ball. This is probably a unique opportunity to keep the spinner in the game. Test cricket is being loved and followed and played because of its unique challenges,” he added.

The former leg-spinner, who is the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, further said that the decision of banning saliva would have an effect on Test cricket rather than on one-day cricket or T20s.

“Our recommendation of banning saliva will affect more in Test cricket, rather than in ODI or T20 because it is a short game and it should not matter there and nobody is actually discussing banning saliva in T20 cricket. T20 could be an easier solution or match to handle, but having said that, if you are looking at a tournament it has its own challenges,” opined Anil Kumble.

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