By: ManjuChandran
Indian bowlers face a dilemma over whether to apply saliva to shine the ball against South Africa while England’s players have been asked not to sign autographs or take selfies with fans in Sri Lanka following the coronavirus outbreak.
Globally, more than 119,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus and over 4,000 have died.
While lots of international sporting events have been affected, South Africa play the first of their three one-day internationals in the northern city of Dharamsala on Thursday.
Asked if the traditional way of shining the ball using saliva would be too much of a risk, India quick Bhuvneshwar Kumar told reporters: “We have thought about this thing but right now I can’t say what we’ll do.
“But, yes, it’s a valid point. We have a team meeting later today and we’ll follow whatever instruction we get and whichever is the best option.”
In Sri Lanka, England’s players were asked on Wednesday not to sign autographs or take selfies with fans as Joe Root’s men prepare for the two-test series starting at Galle on March 19.
“England players and staff have been asked to avoid any unnecessary public engagements, and temporarily avoid casual supporter interaction such as selfies or autographs,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.
