Proteas captains have been in trouble before for their methods used to shine the ball, but ODI skipper Quinton de Kock says his team will continue to apply saliva on the ball on their tour of India.
De Kock was, of course, not referring to any artificial methods but rather the potential threat of spreading the coronavirus which had initially placed South Africa’s three-match ODI series in jeopardy.
It was only after a risk assessment was done that Cricket SA agreed to continue with the tour. CSA’s chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra has also accompanied the team to India as a precautionary measure.
De Kock says: “Obviously with the coronavirus, we understand what’s going on. Personal hygiene is a big thing. Wash your hands, where you cough and be aware of what you touch.
“There’s some fine lines, but we have sat down and it seems like both teams are healthy. We’ve been tested on our way in here, so I’ll think we’ll shine the ball.”
POLISH BALLS: Faf du Plessis. Picture: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix.
South Africa welcome back their premier ball shiner and former captain Faf du Plessis, along with Rassie van der Dussen, for this series.
After being relieved from his leadership duties after the England series, Du Plessis was rested for the ODI leg of the Australian incoming tour to recharge the batteries for the year ahead.
Thursday’s series opener in Dharamsala will certainly be an eye opener for the likes of rookie batsmen Jon-Jon Smuts and Kyle Verreynne.
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— BCCI (@BCCI)
At least Lungi Ngidi and Beuran Hendricks have Indian Premier League and Anrich Nortje Test experience respectively, but for the likes of Lutho Sipamla, it could be a rude awakening.