Glenn Phillips caught smearing saliva on the ball during Test match against Bangladesh

During the first Bangladesh-New Zealand Test in Sylhet, New Zealand's allrounder Glenn Phillips was observed applying saliva to the ball on the third day, despite the International Cricket Council's (ICC) prohibition on such actions since the prior year.

This measure was initially implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later established as a permanent regulation. The incident unfolded during Bangladesh's second innings, precisely in the 34th over, as Phillips bowled against Najmul Hossain Shanto. Notably, he was spotted applying saliva on two occasions within that over, following the first ball.

The on-field umpires, Ahsan Raza and Paul Reiffel, did not intervene or take any action against Phillips despite the clear breach of regulations. An ICC representative, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, declined to comment on the matter, emphasising that addressing on-field issues falls within the purview of match officials alone.

The amendment to Law 41.3, implemented in 2020 as a preventive measure against COVID-19 transmission, permanently banned the use of saliva on the ball. This regulation aimed to maintain fairness in the game and eliminate ambiguity regarding the use of substances like sugary sweets to manipulate saliva. The revised law, effective from October 1, 2022, stipulates that any use of saliva on the ball will be treated akin to other unfair methods of altering the ball's condition.

What does Law 41.3 state?

MCC's research indicated that prohibiting saliva did not significantly impact the bowlers' ability to generate swing. Instead, players transitioned to using sweat to shine and polish the ball, which proved equally effective. Consequently, the updated Laws explicitly disallow the use of saliva, leaving no room for ambiguity or circumvention. This action aims to uphold the integrity of the sport by preventing any unfair means of altering the condition of the ball. The law 41.3 states,

“When cricket resumed following the onset of Covid-19, playing conditions were written in most forms of the game stating that applying saliva to the ball was no longer permitted. MCC’s research found that this had little or no impact on the amount of swing the bowlers were getting. Players were using sweat to polish the ball, and this was equally effective.”

“The new Laws will not permit the use of saliva on the ball, which also removes any grey areas of fielders eating sugary sweets to alter their saliva to apply to the ball. Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball.”