So what are they for?

[_Ed_]

The Long Handle | Page 2 | Cricinfo.com

I'm really quite mystified.

Humorous theories are welcome, but if anyone has any serious explanations, their input would also be much appreciated.

 

[Smudge]

Looks like Burgey has posted a comment to that article already:

Posted by: SrinR 3 hours, 56 minutes ago
It is part of a clever strategy. It is meant to confuse electronic sensors in modern cameras. What happens is that a player will apply lolly juice on to the ball and his teammates will surround him and raise their arms exposing the fluorescent underarms, the resulting glare from the bright green patches will confuse cameras so they can't focus properly, thus the players can safely alter the condition of the ball without detection. And then the ball will swing profusely and Australian batsmen are toast. Very clever England

 

[Jayzamann]

They should probably see a doctor about it.

 

[G.I.Joe]

The green is an admission of Irish and South African influences in the English game.

 

[slowfinger]

I seriously thought that they had a tennis ball under their armpit, no joke.