Bangladesh are currently taking on New Zealand in the first of the two-match Test series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. During Day 3 of the series opener though, one particular incident attracted eyeballs as a New Zealand player appeared to use saliva to shine the ball against the revised laws of the game. It all happened in the 34th of the Bangladesh batting innings when New Zealand's Glenn Phillips seemingly applied saliva on the ball after bowling the first ball of the over to Najmul Hossain Shanto.
The video of the same has also gone viral on social media. After the end of the day's play on November 30 (Thursday),Bangladesh manager Nafees Iqbal said that they were aware of the incident and had also seen. He revealed that the same had also been reported to the fourth umpire.
Here is the video:
What Does The Law State?
"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," states Law 41.3 of the game, This particular law was updated and has been in effect since October 1, 2022.
"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," the law further states.
Talking about the match, Bangladesh find themselves on the verge of a historic win, having made 310 and 338 in their two innings. On the other hand, New Zealand did outscore Bangladesh in the first innings making 317 but are reeling at 81/6 in the second innings with over three sessions remaining in the match.