'Only thing that interests me is the saliva bit' - Jasprit Bumrah feels ICC will have to find an alternative for bowlers

International Cricket Council (ICC), led by former India captain Anil Kumble recently issued guidelines for the players that will be followed when players will take on the field in the post-coronavirus world. They recommended a ban on the use of saliva and sweat by bowlers during the games.

Many bowlers across the world raised their concern that it will be a big disadvantage for a bowler. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier bowler opined on the same and said that ICC will have to find an alternative for the same.

It is well known that bowlers use sweat and saliva in the matches to maintain the shine of the ball. It also helps them in reaping out movement in both directions. However, the apex cricket council feels that banning sweat and saliva is a necessary rule to induce for curbing coronavirus outbreak.

And, in order to contain the life-threatening virus they have taken such a big step. Also, they mentioned in the guideline that every player will have to maintain social distancing in practice sessions and matches. This means that no one will be allowed to celebrate victory by giving hi-fives or handshakes to their teammates.

‘I was not much of a hugger anyway’: Jasprit Bumrah

Talking about the same, Jasprit Bumrah said that he is not a very big fan of hugs and handshakes. He added that the only thing that worries him is the ban on the use of saliva and sweat. As per him, the grounds are getting shorter with time and batsmen smack the bowlers quite easily in the games. And, banning saliva and sweat will be a disadvantage for the bowlers.

“I was not much of a hugger anyway and not a high-five person as well, so that doesn’t trouble me a lot. The only thing that interests me is the saliva bit,” said Bumrah in a chat with Ian Bishop and Shaun Pollock on ICC’s video series Inside Out.

If the ball will not be maintained, then it will be difficult for every bowling unit to restrict the batters from scoring runs. He recited that ICC will have to come out with an alternative once the sport resumes.

“If the ball is not well maintained, it’s difficult for the bowlers. The grounds are getting shorter and shorter, the wickets are becoming flatter and flatter. So we need something, some alternative for the bowlers to maintain the ball so that it can do something – maybe reverse in the end or conventional swing,” he added.