Watch: Glenn Phillips Appears to Apply Saliva on the Ball During BAN vs NZ, 1st Test

TV footage has emerged of New Zealand cricketer Glenn Phillips seemingly applying saliva on the cricket ball during the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet.

Phillips seemed to shine the ball apparently with saliva after delivering the first ball of the 34th over. No action was taken by the two on-field umpires after the incident.

However, Bangladesh team manager Nafees Iqbal did confirm that they have informed the fourth umpire about the breach of rule after having seen the footage.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the application of saliva once cricket resumed during the covid pandemic.

The law came into effect from October 2022.

As per the law 41.3, “When cricket resumed following the onset of Covid-19, playing conditions were written in most forms of the game stating that applying saliva to the ball was no longer permitted. MCC’s research found that this had little or no impact on the amount of swing the bowlers were getting. Players were using sweat to polish the ball, and this was equally effective.

“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. Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball.”

During an ODI between Nepal and UAE last year, Alishan Sharafu was found guilty to have breached the rule. As a result, Nepal were awarded five penalty runs.

Phillips was the standout performer with the ball for New Zealand in the first of the Test taking four wickets as Bangladesh were bowled out for 310.

In reply, New Zealand took a slender seven-run lead thanks to a century from Kane Williamson.