Mohammed Shami Urges ICC to Remove Saliva Ban to Aid Reverse Swing

On the way back from a long injury break, Mohammed Shami resumed his habit of taking wickets for India during the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday. Still not at his usual form, Shami took three wickets nonetheless, as India restricted Australia to 264 in the afternoon before comfortably securing a four-wicket win, matching their highest Champions Trophy chase and the biggest against Australia in an ICC knockout game.

However, Shami expressed regret over the lack of reverse swing and stated that he is urging the global authorities at the International Cricket Council to lift the ban on using saliva to shine the cricket ball. The ban was enforced in 2022, just before cricket fully resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Applying saliva to shine one side of a used ball helps fast bowlers generate reverse swing with the rough side in the later stages of a 50-over match. However, players can still use their sweat to add some shine to the ball.

“We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game,” Shami told reporters after India’s win over Australia. We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva and it will be interesting with the reverse swing," Shami said.

The 34-year-old Shami, who started the tournament with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh and faced a minor injury scare in the match against Pakistan, said he is still working towards regaining his best form.

“I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more for the team,” said Shami. “I am ready to bowl long spells." Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir hailed Shami as “a world-class performer”.

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