'There should be an alternative, bowlers need something' - Jasprit Bumrah on saliva ban

Ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah reckons cricket should seek an ‘alternative’ for polishing the ball if the gentlemen’s governing body bans the usage of saliva before the resumption of international cricket following the prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is all set to implement a ban on the usage of saliva for the game’s return when they meet after being provided with medical advice that spit poses a COVID-19 transmission risk.

Handshakes, high-fives and hugs are also expected to be out from the game when international cricket resumes with safety protocols in place. 

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"I was not much of a hugger anyway, and not a high-five person as well, so that doesn't trouble me a lot," Bumrah said in an ICC video chat with the former West Indies pace bowler Ian Bishop and the ex-captain of South Africa, Shaun Pollock.

"The only thing that interests me is the saliva bit," added the 26-year-old Bumrah. 

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"I don't know what guidelines that we have to follow when we come back, but I feel there should be an alternative. 

"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."

Pacers usually use saliva to shine one side of the ball to make the ball swing. 

Earlier, former Indian captain and current chairman of ICC Cricket Committee had sad the ban on saliva would be only an “interim measure”.

Bumrah has become the spearhead of the Indian pace attack by claiming 68 wickets in 14 Tests and 104 wickets in 64 ODIs.