India's fast bowler Mohammed Shami has received backing from former New Zealand and South African pacers Tim Southee and Vernon Philander regarding his call for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to lift the ban on using saliva to polish the cricket ball. This prohibition, initially introduced in May 2020 as a temporary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic, was made permanent in September 2022. Fast bowlers traditionally utilize saliva to maintain one side of the ball, which is crucial for facilitating reverse swing; however, the ban has significantly hindered bowlers' ability to prepare the ball for this technique.

"We are attempting to achieve reverse swing, but the application of saliva on the ball is prohibited," Shami stated to reporters following India's four-wicket victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final. "We continue to advocate for the allowance of saliva so that we can reintroduce reverse swing into the game, making it more engaging."

Tim Southee, the New Zealand great who recently concluded his international career, emphasized the need for measures that favor bowlers to prevent the batting side from amassing large totals in white-ball cricket. His remarks followed New Zealand's impressive score of 362 for 6 in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy against South Africa.

"That rule was implemented due to the Covid pandemic, but as a bowler, one seeks a slight advantage," Southee remarked on ESPNcricinfo's Match Day. "With teams consistently scoring 362 and frequently exceeding 300 in this format, I believe there should be some consideration for the bowlers. If that includes a bit of saliva, then I see no reason why it shouldn't be reinstated."

Saliva plays a huge part in preparing the ball for reverse: Philander

Philander remarked that on smooth batting surfaces, the ball tends to become damaged more easily. If the use of saliva is reinstated, fielding teams could utilize it to preserve the shine on one side of the ball.

"Examining the condition of that ball, particularly towards the end, it was significantly scuffed, and I believe that if saliva had been used to polish one side, the potential for reverse swing could have been introduced," Philander stated. "This aspect certainly influences the game. You can enhance the shine and utilize the conditions to achieve swing for a longer duration."

"I would advocate for the reintroduction of this element into the game, as I believe it is essential. This is particularly true in ODI cricket, where we frequently witness batters having the upper hand, especially on pitches like those recently observed in Pakistan, which are very conducive to batting."

"In white-ball cricket, the ball typically only swings for a few overs initially. However, with the red ball, it is possible to regain swing, and while sweat may be limited in certain regions, saliva is readily available from various sources worldwide," he explained. "I believe there is a distinct advantage to using saliva on the ball, likely more pronounced in red-ball cricket than in white-ball formats."

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