New Zealand allrounder Glenn Phillips was caught applying saliva on the ball on the third day of the BAN vs NZ Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. The International Cricket Council (ICC) permanently prohibited players from using saliva on balls last year. It was initially used as a preventive measure following the COVID-19 situation. However, no decision was taken against him on the field.
During Bangladesh’s second innings, Glenn Phillips was seen on TV applying saliva on the ball. The incident occurred in the 34th over when Phillips was bowling against Najmul Hossain Shanto. He was caught in the act twice before delivering it after the first ball of the over.
The on-field umpires, however, did not interfere or take any action against Glenn Phillips. On-field umpires were Ahsan Raza and Paul Reiffel. According to an ICC representative, reported by ESPNcricinfo, ICC however refused to speak on the topic. They added only match officials are responsible for dealing with on-field issues.
Law 41.3 of the game went into effect in 2020 as a preventative measure against the spread of Covid-19. Later, ICC decided to make it a permanent regulation. Following the restriction on saliva, players began using sweat to shine or polish the ball. The law was revised and went into effect on October 1, 2022.
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It states:
“When cricket resumed following the onset of Covid-19, playing conditions were written in most forms of the game stating that applying saliva to the ball was no longer permitted. MCC’s research found that this had little or no impact on the amount of swing the bowlers were getting. Players were using sweat to polish the ball, and this was equally effective.”
“The new Laws will not permit the use of saliva on the ball, which also removes any grey areas of fielders eating sugary sweets to alter their saliva to apply to the ball. Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball.”
UAE was the first team to be penalised for using saliva last year. During an ODI against Nepal, their player Alishan Sharafu put saliva on the ball, resulting in a five-run award for Nepal.
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