'This will definitely have effect on reverse swing': Ex-India opener wants big rule change after permanent saliva ban

The ban on saliva was introduced in 2020 following the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic; however, after the ban was made permanent, the former India cricketer has suggested another big change to the rules of the game.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) came up with a series of rule changes and amendments to the laws of cricket on Wednesday. Some of the major amendments included legimitizing the ‘Mankad’ mode of dismissal that allows running out the non-striker on delivery stride, and a complete ban on the use of saliva on a cricket ball. In addition, the MCC also mandated that a new batter is at the striker's end if the previous one was caught – even if both batters had crossed ends before the catch was completed.

Ben Stokes bowls during day two of their first cricket Test match against West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda. (AP)

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra opened up on the rule changes and talked in particular about the saliva ban. The ban on saliva was introduced in 2020 following the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic; however, after the ban was made permanent, Aakash has suggested another big change to the rules of the game.

“Saliva ban was imposed due to Covid. The committee feels that there hasn't been any significant damage to the swing as the ball still swings a fair amount. So let's continue playing with that. I am okay with it because it is unhygienic,” said Aakash.

"However, this will definitely have an effect on the reverse swing. So the second new ball can be made due a bit early. Or to shine the ball you can make use of a material like wax just to balance the contest, especially in dry conditions."

The MCC had earlier said it found through research that the ban over this period had little or no impact on the amount of swing that bowlers were getting. Polishing the ball with sweat will still be permitted.

"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," the MCC said in a statement.