WATCH: Joe Root shines the ball by rubbing on Jack Leach's head

During the first Test between England and Pakistan, England's Joe Root was seen shining the ball on spinner Jack Leach's head.

The ICC revised its rules and regulations following the Covid-19 outbreak, so players are no longer permitted to use saliva to shine the ball.

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This prohibition had been in effect for over two years in international cricket as a Covid-related temporary precaution before becoming permanent in October 2022.

Covid-19 had enforced the restriction to prevent viral spread on the pitch. The rule went into effect in July 2020, when cricket resumed after a break. During the saliva ban, the players used sweat to shine the ball, which proved to be efficient.

Commentator David Gower also explained the use of sweat after the field incident.

“It is ingenious, absolutely ingenious, because you are no longer allowed to use saliva. Tests have apparently proven that sweat is much more effective in shining the ball as compared to saliva,” said Gower.

It must be noted that England scored a mammoth score of 657 runs in the first innings of the first Test, and in reply, Pakistan has bow scored 347 runs for the loss of three wickets.

"Absolutely ingenious!"

Root finds a unique way of shining the ball with the help of Leach 🤝😅#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/mYkmfI0lhK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 3, 2022