Controversy strikes New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st Test, Star player accused of using saliva on ball

New Zealand and Bangladesh are currently locking horns against each other in the first Test of their two-match series in Sylhet. Bangladesh posted a target of 332 runs for the visiting Kiwis, which they are presently attempting to chase down on Day 4 of the game. New Zealand need 220 runs to win and have just 3 wickets in hand, which appears unshakeable at the moment, unless a record-breaking partnership takes place between the tailenders.

3 things you need to know

• Bangladesh won the toss elected to bat first in the match
• Bangladesh scored 310 and 338 in their two innings
• New Zealand scored 317 runs in their first innings

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Controversy strikes New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st Test

Meanwhile, a controversy struck the first Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, where New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips allegedly used his saliva on the ball. Bangladesh team manager Nafees Iqbal lodged a complaint with the 4th umpire, accusing Phillips of using saliva on the ball. 

The alleged incident occurred in the 34th over of Bangladesh's second innings on Day 3. The 4th umpire has been informed about the incident by the Bangladesh team. Using saliva on ball has been banned from international cricket following the outbreak of COVID-19 disease.

MCC's Law 41.3 states, “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,” the law reads. 

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It will be interesting to see if any action is taken against Glenn Phillips and the New Zealand team.