Bring back reverse swing: Mohammed Shami urges ICC to reconsider saliva rule

India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to allow the use of saliva on the ball to help generate reverse swing, a skill he believes adds excitement to the game. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICC has prohibited the use of saliva, significantly limiting the ability of fast bowlers to produce reverse swing, which has long been a key weapon in their arsenal.

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The ban on saliva has already made it harder for bowlers to generate movement in the air, but in ODI cricket, the situation has worsened due to the introduction of the two-new-ball rule. Shami, who has played a crucial role in India's Champions Trophy campaign so far with the ball, revealed that many bowlers have been appealing to the ICC to reconsider the saliva ban, arguing that its reinstatement would bring more balance between bat and ball in high-intensity matches.

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“We are trying to reverse (swing), but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game. We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva, and it will be interesting with the reverse swing," Shami said.

“I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more to the team. It is a responsibility when there are no two proper pacers, and I have to shoulder more responsibility...There is a load when you are the one main pacer, and the other is an all-rounder. You have to pick wickets and lead from the front," he added.

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Since his return from an injury layoff, Shami has been India’s primary fast bowler in the Champions Trophy, stepping up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. Despite this, Shami has been exceptional, leading India’s pace attack with precision and control, with support from the likes of Harshit Rana initially, but then with the lone fill-in role from Hardik Pandya.

Shami emphasised that reverse swing is an essential tool for pacers, particularly in high-pressure ODI games. Without it, bowlers often struggle to counter batters in the death overs, leading to inflated scores. The two-new-ball rule in ODIs has already reduced the likelihood of reverse swing, and with the saliva ban still in place, fast bowlers have found it increasingly difficult to make an impact in the latter stages of matches.

Shami’s performances in the Champions Trophy have once again underlined his importance to the Indian team. He has already claimed eight wickets in the tournament, with his latest standout performance coming in the semi-final against Australia, where he produced an impressive spell of 3/48.

As bowlers continue to push for the return of saliva to aid reverse swing, it remains to be seen whether the ICC will heed their concerns and consider adjusting the regulations in the near future.

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