India to follow medical advice before shining balls with saliva, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The seamer made the comments to media after the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in India rose to 60 ahead of Thursday's ODI with South Africa in Dharamsala

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India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has said his team will follow medical advice before applying saliva to balls during their upcoming ODI meetings with South Africa.

The three-match contest remains set to begin in Dharamsala on Thursday despite a rise in confirmed cases of COVID-19 to 60 within India in recent days, including at least nine in the Uttar Pradesh region set to host the series' second fixture.

However, precautionary measures recommended by governments and sporting bodies has led the India team to question whether to continue with the traditional practice of shining the ball on the field.

Kumar, who has returned to the squad for this series after three months out following surgery on a sports hernia, told reporters that the squad will agree a protocol having consulted with medical professionals on the best way forward.

The 30-year-old said: "I can't say right now we will not use saliva because if we don't use saliva then how will we shine the ball? Then we will get hit and you people will say you are not bowling well.

"But it's a valid point and let's see. We will have a team meeting today and whatever instruction we get or whatever is the best option we will do.

"You cannot say anything right now [about whether the series or IPL will go ahead] because the virus is making a dangerous situation in India."

Guidance issued by the BCCI on the eve of the opening match have reminded players and staff on each side about the latest guidance from India's Ministry of Health and Welfare.

This includes the regular washing of hands and use of sanitiser products, reporting any symptoms of illness to team medics, and avoiding "close contact and interaction" with spectators or any other persons from outside the team environment.

The board has also assured fans that all public toilets at the grounds will have soap and sanitisers available for use, while first aiders at the venues will follow up as required with anybody who requires treatment at the games.



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