Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath has backed the change made by the ICC Cricket Committee in view of the recent Coronavirus pandemic which includes a ban on usage of saliva for shining the ball. However, sweat has been allowed for the same purpose.

Srinath, who was known as the “Mysore Express” during his playing days and now is an ICC Match Referee, said, “I think sweat is a good alternative for saliva.”

Mickey Arthur says Sri Lankan bowlers told him, "Sweat makes the ball little heavier than saliva"

“In fact, we use more sweat than saliva, so I think it should not really matter. I think it is a habit to put your hand into your mouth and start rubbing the ball that would have to be contained now given the fresh guidelines. Sweat was always allowed and it will have a more role to play than the saliva in the near future,’’ opined Srinath.

Given that Srinath played in an era when he never had much support from the other side, barring a partnership with Venkatesh Prasad and then with Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra during the end of his career, the former cricketer was happy with the current pool of fast bowlers that India has at their expense.

“We have an unbelievable pool of pacers and I am very pleased with the way they are bowling. They are doing a great job. At any phase of the Indian cricket, this is the best pool of fast bowlers,” he said.

(newindianexpress.com inputs)