vic_orthdox
Global Moderator
To me, personally, its a pretty huge non-issue. Guys like having something to chew on so that their mouths don't get too dry, hence chewing gum, etc. etc.I stand corrected
Edit: But am I really barking up the wrong tree? Surely if you use saliva to moisten and weight one side of the ball, as all teams including Australia do, and if sugary saliva has a greater effect than non-sugary saliva, then the dividing line between a Murray Mint and a Jelly Baby becomes a pretty thin one, doesn't it?
I don't know too many guys who'll have a couple of mints whilst out on the ground for enjoyment, although that could well be different in a cooler climate. My interpretation of the whole thing was that the mints, and the fact that it were a certain brand used, were used for the sole purpose of putting on the ball. Again, I reiterate, personally I have no issue with that. Generally lollies are supplied for a bit of glucose, something to chew on, and any effects are secondary.
I'm the "ball captain" fairly often during games at my club, and I'll have some lollies and that at drinks just to get some saliva happening on a hot day. This is just my personal experience, and generally that of who I've come across.