The ICC has approved Covid-19 substitutes for Test matches, while the use of saliva to shine the ball could cost a side five-penalty runs. Non-neutral umpires will also return under interim changes to the international game’s playing regulations. West Indies have arrived in England ahead of a three-match Test series at bio-secure venues next month. The matches will be the first to involve alterations to the playing conditions, with the aim to mitigate the risk of coronavirus. “Teams will be allowed to replace players displaying symptoms of Covid-19 during a Test match,” an ICC statement said. “In line with concussion replacements, the match referee will approve the nearest like-for-like replacement. “However, the regulation for Covid-19 replacements will not be applicable in ODIs and T20Is.” The ICC’s cricket committee made the recommendations, which have now been ratified by its chief executive committee. “Players will not be permitted to use saliva to shine the ball,” the statement said. “If a player does apply saliva to the ball, the umpires will manage the situation with some leniency during an initial period of adjustment for the players, but subsequent instances will result in the team receiving a warning. “A team can be issued up to two warnings per innings but repeated use of saliva on the ball will result in a five-run penalty to the batting side. “Whenever saliva is applied to the ball, the umpires will be instructed to clean the ball before play recommences.” Home umpires will also be allowed to stand in Tests, as a result of the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. “The requirement to appoint neutral match officials will be temporarily removed from the playing conditions for all international formats owing to the current logistical challenges with international travel,” the ICC said.
