Shami says he can get reverse swing if shine is maintained

KOLKATA: Indian speedster Mohammed Shami on Tuesday said he can still get reverse swing going even after the proposed ban of use of saliva, provided the shine is properly maintained.

The ICC is set to implement a ban on use of saliva to shine the ball when the sport is resumed after the coronavirus-forced lockdown as it feels spitting on the ball elevates the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“There will be difficulties. We have been accustomed to using saliva since childhood. It’s been deeply ingrained ... If you are a fast bowler, instinctively you apply saliva to shine the ball. But yes, if you can maintain the shine of the dry ball, it will definitely reverse,” Shami said in an Instagram chat with Rohit Juglan.

The ICC Cricket Committee headed by Anil Kumble, however, has said players can use sweat to polish the ball but Shami said it will not help a fast bowler.

“Sweat and saliva work differently. I don’t think it will help. I never tried bowling without saliva.

Now because of COVID-19 pandemic, it’s very important to stop using saliva,” said Shami, whose mastery over the reverse swing has been one of the big plus of Indian team.

Shami said the players missed the presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni on and off the field.

“I played in all the formats under him barring IPL. With regard to guidance, he will always treat his teammates in such a way that you won’t even feel that he is M S Dhoni.

“He is such a big player. I have a lot of memories about him. Now also we think, Mahi Bhai will come and it will be fun playing,” he said.

Dhoni has been on a sabbatical since India’s World Cup semifinal exit in July last year and he was slated for a comeback in IPL, which has now been postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“One thing I like is he (Dhoni) likes to sit with everyone and have dinner.

There are always two-four people with him. We chat till late night, and these are the things that one miss.”

With the fate of T20 World Cup in Australia still undecided, Shami said the players would look to play a tournament before going there directly.

“We are not machines, can’t just switch on and off. As a sportsman, your body needs to get into rhythm.

No one has touched bat and ball in this period. So a 10-15 days camp or a couple of series before the WC will be helpful to get back the momentum.”