Strict health protocols imposed for international cricket:
On Thursday (10-07-2020), Mark Wood, fast bowler of England said that in the first Test match between England and West Indies, cricketers were using their ‘back sweat’ rather than their saliva to shine the ball in the Southampton.
For the return of international cricket after four months of lockdown, strict health protocols are enforced because of the COVID-19 pandemic including the saliva ban. This ban didn’t create many problems for team West Indies as West Indies steamers dismissed England team for 204 runs on the second day. West Indies captain Jason Holder claimed six wickets for a career-best haul in Test.
Later Wood started bowling at an astonishing pace, but West Indies team concluded the day on 57-1.
Wood Statement:
Wood said “Back sweat has been the most important thing at this time with the ban on saliva. Although we are using back sweat to shine the ball, I have got some of Jofra Archer’s and also of Jimmy Anderson’s. It was a very bad day for team England. For Friday, West Indies may get the full control on the match with a better weather prediction.”
“Till now, we don’t have the best day. So, we have many things to do. I would like to have more numbers in the wickets column rather than in the pace column. West Indies bowlers bowled quite well but 204 runs were not on the radar, we would have liked to score 250 or 300 runs.”
“ Also, we didn’t get that much proper hit with the ball. West Indies bowlers got proper line and length spot on. Jason Holder had an ankle injury but produced a tremendous bowling display including taking major wickets of England apart from Ben Strokes for 43. My patience level has enhanced before I was trying to deliver so many balls in one spell.”
“According to me, I lack stability as well as patience in my bowling. I am trying very hard to achieve it and utilizing the angles at the moment of bowling. When other bowlers are also there who are capable of bowl at the same pace, then you have to skillful enough.”
