Not allowed to use saliva on the ball, England bowlers have resorted to applying back sweat to shine the ball in the ongoing first Test

Southampton: Not allowed to use saliva on the ball, England bowlers have resorted to applying back sweat to shine the ball in the ongoing first Test against the West Indies.

The opening Test at the Ageas Bowl marks the resumption of international cricket in a "bio-secure" environment after all activities were suspended in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

England"Back sweat has been the major thing at the moment with saliva going out the window," Wood said.

England witnessed a disappointing second day on Thursday with West Indies bundling the visitors out for 204 in their first innings.

"We haven't had the best day so plenty to do. I'd prefer a few in the wickets column rather than the pace column," he said.

Mark Wood"They bowled well and got to give them credit, but 204 wasn't on the radar, we'd have liked 250 or 300.

"We didn't get it right with the ball, they got their line and length spot on,” Wood added.