The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), recently imposed a total ban on the use of saliva while announcing its amended 2022 code. According to the MCC applying saliva had no impact on the ball's movement. While talking about this latest development Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins said that a permanent ban on its usage will not be a "big deal" for the seam bowlers.
Cummins speaks
"I don't think so (permanent saliva ban will hamper the performance of the swing bowlers)," Cummins told reporters ahead of Australia's third Test against Pakistan.
"I don't think it has made a huge effect, as big as we might have thought it would. We can still use sweat so it's not too big a deal," he added.
The first Test match of the series between Pakistan and Australia resulted in a draw and there was not much difference in the second Test’s results after the second match of the Test series turned out to be a draw as well. Third Test match of the series is scheduled to take place on March 21, in Lahore.
Australia's plans
While talking about the third Test match, skipper Cummins said that they will play the third Test match with an unchanged line-up.
"We were really happy with how all 11 players went last Test," Cummins told reporters on March 20.
"Everyone has pulled up really well. We gave them an extra couple of days to make sure everyone has come up good. But there's no injury worries, everyone is freshened up, so we're confident in the XI. Only having two quick bowlers, I think reverse swing is going to be a big factor and the way Starcy played last game was fantastic.
"It's always tough leaving out someone like Joshy [Josh Hazlewood], even Scotty Boland. But the class and the difference Starcy brings as a left-armer, a bit more air speed, we think that's the best chance to take 20 wickets,” the Australian Test skipper further added.
While talking about his team’s performance, Cummins said that one “can’t afford to drop too many chances.”
"I think what's been clear... is the way we've gone about it is the right way.
"I've been really happy with how everyone has gone about their work (and) the tactics. I think it's just a matter of taking those chances. Wickets are at a premium in this series so you can't afford to drop too many chances. We created more than 10 chances [in Karachi], we just unfortunately didn't take them, so that's going to be the challenge this week."
