Re: Smith's Crew in SA
Reply #247 –
I can't help the fact that England are idiots who managed to convinced themselves of something that contradicts reality.
Saliva breaks down leather, it softens it because saliva contains enzymes like lipase and amylase, two ingredients used during the tanning process to soften and de-hair hides. It might make it look shinny at first, but it will break down the surface faster.
Any serious swing bowler will go troppo if they see someone using saliva in any mixture on the ball, the two smart things to use are sunscreen and perspiration. Perspiration is perfect because as it evaporates it forms crystals from the trace minerals and urea content which act like a varnish.
The classic vintage footage of Lillee wiping his finger across his brow then polishing the pill is no accident.