THE use of saliva to shine the ball and the practice of neutral umpires for Test matches are set to be put on hold following recommendations by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The ICC's influential cricket committee met via conference call and heard a briefing from Dr Peter Harcourt - chair of the governing body's medical advisory committee - on the issue of Covid-19.

It was unanimously agreed that the "elevated risk of transmission" caused by polishing the ball using spit meant the traditional method must be shelved for now, though sweat will still be permitted.

Additionally, it was decided to vote for a suspension to the 18-year-old rule guaranteeing on-field officials in Test cricket must be from non-participating countries - minimising travel and quarantine considerations.

In conjunction, the committee suggested one additional DRS review should be awarded to each team per innings. The measures must now go forward for consideration by the chief executives' committee before being approved.

Former India captain Anil Kumble, who chairs the cricket committee, said: "We are living through extraordinary times and the recommendations the committee have made today are interim measures to enable us to safely resume cricket in a way that preserves the essence of our game whilst protecting everyone involved."