England’s all-time highest Test wicket-taker James Anderson believes that “the no-saliva rule needs constant review” after the first two red-ball games were completed following the resumption of the game with new playing conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a wake of the global Coronavirus pandemic, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned the usage of the saliva to shine the cricket ball to stop the spread of the deadly virus – which is still debated among the fraternity. The ongoing England vs West Indies Test series is currently following the 'sweat' theory.
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However, the ICC allowed the sweat with many believing it is a good enough agent for shining the ball, but Anderson said the authorities must keep an eye on the interim change if it gets ‘too favorable for the batsmen’ as both first two Tests have finished inside four days.
Though, the veteran pacer said sweat is working fine now but hinted at the need for a legitimized external substance to polish the red cherry in the Test format.
Anderson said ahead of the Friday’s Test against the Windies: “You know what my answer is going to be as a swing bowler about saliva ban. It (the no-saliva rule) needs constant review. Times are different and we have to do things differently currently. But it should be looked at.”
He further added: “At the moment sweat is working fine. We got some swing and movement. But it's something you need to keep an eye on in case things get too favorable for the batsmen. It's been a topic of constant discussion. We have done well with sweat. It's also about being more aware that reverse swing might play a part if you keep the ball drier potentially.”
On being asked about the pacer theory in the first two Tests in Southampton and Manchester, Anderson said: “It's not a case of out and outpace. Obviously it helps. It's good to have that option. But at the end of the day, I think skill is important.”
He signed off by saying, “I think a good line and length is a good line and length. It doesn't really matter if the ball is swinging or not. In the last Test, we didn't have an express pace. We had bowlers bowling at 80-85 mph. They were just accurate and consistent.”
(With AFP Inputs)
