The England versus West Indies Test series, which begins from July 8 in Southampton, marks the resumption of international cricket after a three-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the new ICC guidelines barring the application of saliva on the ball to shine it, the big question is how will the bowlers manage to maintain the ball in conditions that produce little or no sweat. And England is certainly one such place.
Many, including Sachin Tendulkar, have spoken about the problem, but Michael Holding, the legendary West Indies pacer, is optimistic about a way out.
“The application of saliva on the ball for shining is basically to get moisture on it. Some people have looked to get an added advantage by sucking sweets, which then adds sugar to the saliva.
“So when it is applied, it enhances the shine on the ball and also adds a heavier substance to it which furthers the polish of one side over the other. Perspiration can be used instead of saliva for the same effect, but if it’s too cold to sweat, then there is a problem. But then, irrespective of how cold it is, the bowler should produce sweat at some point at least during his overs,” Holding, who has played 60 Tests and 102 ODIs, told The Telegraph from the United Kingdom.
Both England and West Indies currently have fast-bowlers who have crossed 30. England’s James Anderson is already 37, while Stuart Broad will be 34 this Wednesday. To speak of the Windies new-ball bowlers, Kemar Roach (31) and Shannon Gabriel (32) both fall in that same category.
Will that be an issue? Will it be more difficult for them to adapt to the changes than the younger bowlers? Holding disagrees.
“I don’t think the bowlers/pacers being over 30 should make any difference. It’s just about following the process,” Holding feels.
The outspoken great though minced no words to say that it would be difficult for Anderson to continue for more than a year or two, especially after the injury issues he has had in the recent past.
“Anderson’s effectiveness going forward will all depend on his ability to remain fit and strong. At 37, he probably won’t have more than another year or two, and that too in England more than on overseas tours.”
England do have the option of handing the new ball over to the fiery and young Jofra Archer, who has already proved his mettle at the international level. But Holding added: “I would suggest that Anderson and Broad still be the opening bowlers for England, at least in this series.”
About Archer, Holding said: “If he doesn’t lose his pace, he shouldn’t be having a problem (bowling anywhere).”
Talking about Jasprit Bumrah, Holding feels the India pacer should have no issues as such in view of the new guidelines. “Not too many fast bowlers are going to be happy with the new regulations, but they will all have to adjust.
“As for Bumrah, he shouldn’t have a problem, for he has played most of his cricket so far in hotter climates.”
