Indian team's experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami has urged the ICC to allow the use of saliva on the ball. During COVID-19, the ICC banned the use of saliva on the ball. This helps fast bowlers to get reverse swing, but now bowlers cannot use it. Due to not using saliva on the ball, bowlers are facing difficulty in getting reverse swing.

The situation worsened due to the introduction of two new ball rules.

The situation has worsened due to the introduction of two new ball rules in ODI cricket. Shami is proving to be important for India in the Champions Trophy. He said that many bowlers have urged the ICC to reconsider the ban on saliva. These bowlers argue that this will maintain the right balance between batsmen and bowlers during the match.

Shami said, we try to do reverse swing, but you cannot use saliva on the ball. We are constantly seeking permission to use saliva and reverse swing will make the game interesting. I am trying to regain my rhythm and want to contribute extra to the team. Two specialist fast bowlers are not in the team and I have more responsibility. When you are the only main fast bowler and the other is an all-rounder, then there is a workload. You have to lead from the front by taking wickets. I have gotten used to it and I am trying to give more than my 100 percent.

More responsibility on Shami

Shami, who returned from injury, handled the new ball with Harshit Rana or Hardik Pandya during the Champions Trophy in the absence of injured Jasprit Bumrah. Rana is still new and Pandya is an all-rounder who usually does not bowl 10 overs in an ODI match. Shami has taken eight wickets in the tournament so far. Shami suffered an ankle injury during the World Cup 2023 and was on a long break.

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