On Monday, the ICC cricket committee recommended a few changes in the game considering the health and safety of the players. In line with the changes, now Cricket Australia is planning out to test disinfectants over match balls to prevent players from the contagious disease.
The disinfectants will be used during the trainings and matches this summer. CA’s Sports Science & Sports Medicine Manager Alex Kountouris says, he will observe the behavior of the match ball after applying disinfectant to it and then report the top board for further action.
Everything is on the table at the moment
Alex further said that testing will soon be commenced on whether disinfecting the ball can lessen the risk or not.
“We don’t know the impact on the ball (yet) because we haven’t tested it. We’d obviously have to test it, we’d have to speak to the ICC and get permission, there’s a lot of things (to consider). And whether it’s effective or not. The ball being leather, it’s harder to disinfect because it’s got little nooks and crevices,” quoted Cricket Australia website as saying its Sports Science & Sports Medicine Manager Alex Kountouris.
Alex also said that as everything is only a proposal as of now, he will have to wait to be able to find any conclusion of the experiment.
“But it’s absolutely a consideration. Everything is on the table at the moment, everything is being considered.”
Will educate Aussie professionals on the new guidelines
According to the Cricket Australia website, educating the players on the health and safety guidelines is more immediate task before him post COVID-19.
Alex said that it would be going to be a difficult job as the habits players are using currently are developed over the years.
“Some people are used to licking their fingers before they grab the ball, they’re used to shining the ball. It’s going to be a steep learning curve and hopefully we’ve got some time to practice that sort of stuff.”
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