|| Desk Report ||

Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener supports ICC’s call about banning the saliva in the post-COVID-19 era, stating that the world cricket governing body should allow using artificial substances of wax on a limited scale to shine the ball.

“They could perhaps use wax in limited quantities. The captain of the fielding team gets to keep it. After 80 overs of play, they get a new one while the old one is handed back to the umpire,” Klusener told the media.

“I’ve no problem with saliva being banned by the ICC. Coronavirus is passed through saliva, so that makes sense. However, I would like to see a certain amount of a specific substance provided by the ball manufacturers (say 10ml for example) to the team captain which he can use at this discretion for 80 overs. After that it can be replaced with a newer one,” he added.

If a player applies saliva to the ball, the umpires are instructed to warn players for the initial period. A team will receive two warnings per innings but repeated use of saliva will result in a five-run penalty for the bowling team and will be added to the batting side. Whenever saliva is applied to the ball, the umpires will be instructed to clean the ball before play recommences.

“It is a habit. Players will have to adapt to the new normal. Mistakes will be made by them at first but over a period of time they will get used to it,” said Lance Klusener, who head coach of the Afghanistan national men’s cricket team that started their training session earlier this week.

The former all-rounder is doing his bit to contribute but admits it becomes a little tricky to coordinate with those involved.

“The camp is run by our assistant coach and former Afghanistan captain Nawroz Mangal since we are not allowed to travel,” Klusener said.