Mumbai: Dr. Rabindra Mehta, a US-based Indian scientist and a sports aerodynamics consultant, believes that the application of sweet substance has no effect on the ball.
The Indian researcher said that “Lollyline” or “Mintgate” instances are nothing new. “The issue of using mints/sweets to enhance the saliva is certainly not new.
A few years ago, we heard that the English players were using a special sweet, supposedly for the same reasons,” said Rabindra, who has also worked with Australia’s Troy Cooley (during the Aussie’s stint with the England team as bowling coach).
“The thought or hypothesis is that by adding sugar to the natural saliva, one ends up with a better lubricant which will enhance the process of shinning the ball. As is well known now, the goal for the fielding team is to try and produce a ball with one side smooth and shiny and the other as rough as possible,” he added.
“This helps in achieving reverse and contrast swing, while still enabling conventional swing. The association of ball tampering with roughening the ball is now well established,” Rabindra said.
“The new issue is whether sucking mints or sweets give the fielding side an advantage. Of course, the rules state that only natural substances (saliva or sweat) can be legally used to shine the ball.”
