Former Australia captain Ian Chappell says ball-tampering should be allowed in some form or another with the use of saliva set to be completely abolished once cricket returns.

The 76-year-old Chappell, who donned the Baggy Greens between 1964 and 1980, is the latest voice in the debate on altering the condition of the ball, following the health risk that now surrounds the use of sweat and saliva to shine the ball.

Writing for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell backed up his previous statement when he suggested that international captains should provide a list of methods and substances their bowlers feel should be allowed post Covid-19.

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‘From this list, the administrators should deem one method to be legal with all others being punishable as illegal,’ Chappell said.

‘With cricket on hold, this is the ideal time to conduct the exercise. Using saliva and perspiration are now seen as a health hazard, so bowlers require something to replace the traditional methods of shining the ball.’

Last month former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait suggested umpires should be in control of how and when the ball may be altered.

‘This might be an opportunity for cricket to move forward and think about some other ways. In Test matches to have the new ball used earlier or more frequent is another option,’ Tait said.

In 2016 Proteas batsman Faf du Plessis was in hot water for the use of saliva during the second Test against Australia in Hobart where he was pictured using a mint in his mouth to create more saliva for shining the ball.