Mohammad Amir uses saliva to shine the ball against England

Mohammad Amir, the Pakistan fast bowler, was spotted using saliva to shine the cricket ball during the opening T20I against England at the Old Trafford in Manchester. Prior to the resumption of cricket in July, the International Cricket Council (ICC) laid down the guidelines, restricting the use of saliva. However, sweat was allowed as a medium for the same.

Amir, reportedly, breached the guidelines multiple times during the match on Friday, August 28. During England’s Test series against the West Indies, Dom Sibley applied saliva on the ball after which the umpires disinfected the leather. However, no such efforts were made in case of Amir, who avoided being reprimanded by the on-field umpires.

The ICC rules states: “Players will not be permitted to use saliva to shine the ball. If a player does apply saliva to the ball, the umpires will manage the situation with some leniency during an initial period of adjustment for the players, but subsequent instances will result in the team receiving a warning.

A team can be issued up to two warnings per innings but repeated use of saliva on the ball will result in a 5-run penalty to the batting side. Whenever saliva is applied to the ball, the umpires will be instructed to clean the ball before play recommences.”

In the match, Amir bowled decently, conceding 14 runs off 13 balls at an economy of 6.50. He was economical in the powerplay.

England vs Pakistan washed off

The game had all the ingredients to be an absolute thriller. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Three Lions were racing along at 131 for six in 16.1 overs. Tom Banton was going great guns, having scored 71 runs off 42 balls with the help of four fours and six sixes. The other batters, somewhat, strained to find their rhythm.

For Pakistan, Imad Wasim was effective as he picked up a couple of wickets, including that of Banton. Shadab Khan also did well with a couple of scalps. Thereafter, the heavens opened up and play was halted. It showered to the extent that play couldn’t resume. The second T20I gets underway on Sunday, August 30 at the same venue.