Former Australian speedster Brett Lee believes that the saliva ban in a wake of Coronavirus outbreak won’t matter with the Kookaburra ball since it does not naturally swing much.
With all evidence saying that COVID-19 being spread through saliva, the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the use of saliva to ‘shine the ball’ during the Coronavirus pandemic and Lee admitted that the change is definitely a disadvantage to the bowlers, but said it would not make much impact since the matches are being played with the Kookaburra ball presently.
The Aussie also said the cricket will get rarely to see the reverse swing because of the saliva ban during the COVID-19 era – which has been impacting the sporting world since March.
Lee told ANI on Wednesday (July 15): “I think it is definitely a disadvantage to the bowlers. Maybe the other option was to test all the players before they go out on the field and only allow the ones that are cleared to take part in the game.”
He added, “I do not think it matters with the kookaburra ball as it has not been swinging recently much anyway. Yes, I do not think we are going to see any reverse swing or little anyway due to the saliva ban.”
Following the Coronavirus-forced break nearly four months, the international cricket resumed last week with England and West Indies facing each other in a three-match Test series.
The first Test saw James Anderson struggle, as veteran pacer- who took 3 wickets in Southampton, looked quite rusty and was not seen producing the swing he normally does possibly due to COVID-19 restrictions.
However, Lee said people should not be critical of Anderson as it was the first match after such a break and even in indifferent conditions due to the Coronavirus crisis.
He signed off by saying, “He (Anderson) is one of the best bowlers in the world in terms of pacers so I don't think we could be too hard on him. Maybe he did not have the best match but he is still a real asset to England.”
(With ANI Inputs)
