Labuschagne opines on potential saliva ban as cricket foresees life after COVID-19 

The game remains globally suspended because of the deadly outbreak.

Marnus Labuschagne | GettyMarnus Labuschagne believes the traditional practice of shining the ball through saliva, sweat is something players should be willing to "sacrifice" if it comes in the way of cricket's resumption post the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With the cricket ball seen as a potential source of the virus spread, administrators at the ICC level are reportedly considering to ban applying any form of respiratory drops.

Read Also: Labuschagne hoping India's tour down under wouldn't be affected by COVID-19 pandemic 

In the wake of this, cricketers, both current and former, are seeking greater clarity with regards to how the balance between the two disciplines wouldn't further be affected. 

But, as quoted by the 'Sydney Morning Herald', Labuschagne said: "The objective for everyone is to get back on the field, so whatever sacrifices or slight tweaks in the game that need to be made… for us as players, it’s about being adaptable and being able to abide by those new laws, if that is the case."

Players, so habitual of using the saliva, may also find the new ruling quite difficult to adjust to. 

"In terms of shining it, it will be slightly strange," Labuschagne agreed. "When you’re on the field it’s so natural if you’re one of the ball shiners to get the ball and put a little bit of saliva on your finger and try to buff out some of the rough areas of the ball."

"If that doesn’t happen, then that’s the way it is. That’s just how we’re going to have to deal with this situation," added the 25-year-old batsman.

Since originating in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year, COVID-19 has globally infected more than 33 lakh people and claimed 2.3 lakh lives. 

For cricket, this has led to indefinite suspension of all its immediate international and domestic fixtures, with countries opting for lockdowns because of the major health crisis. 

(Inputs from PTI)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 05 May, 2020

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