India’s pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has once again found himself in a storm with allegations of a suspect bowling action making headlines ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia, starting on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
Veteran Australian sports commentator Ian Maurice has stirred controversy by blaming “political correctness” for cricket’s failure to analyze Jasprit Bumrah’s unique bowling style. Maurice also accused the Australian media of ignoring the Indian pacer’s action, claiming it has not been “put under the microscope.”
Jasprit Bumrah faces controversy over bowling action ahead of Boxing Day Test
However, Bumrah has let his performances do the talking in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia. With 21 wickets in six innings at a jaw-dropping average of 10.90, including two stunning five-wicket hauls, the Indian pace spearhead has left the Australian batting lineup in tatters, leading the bowling chart.
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Well, the controversy around Bumrah’s action is nothing new, but his ability to swing the ball both ways with a short run-up has raised many eyebrows and reignited debates. Many have added fuel to the fire by calling for a deeper investigation into the Indian pacer’s bowling action following his incredible performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
On Monday, December 23, Ian Maurice raised his concerns about Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action on social media. He questioned why no one had examined Bumrah’s delivery in detail, suggesting that his arm position at the point of delivery should be analyzed.
Why has no one questioned the delivery of India paceman Bumrah?
Ian Maurice posted on X: “Why has no one questioned the delivery of India paceman Bumrah? Is it not politically correct these days? I’m not saying he’s throwing, but at least the position of the arm at the point of delivery should be analyzed. Nine would have had it under the microscope some years ago.”
Furthermore, Australian sports commentators suggested that cricket authorities are reluctant to analyze Bumrah’s bowling action because of the fear of accusations of racism. He further clarified that he was not accusing Bumrah of throwing the ball but simply wanted a deep analysis of his action.
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Maurice added, “I wish you people who want to jump down my throat would bother to read what I wrote. I said, “I’M NOT SAYING HE’S THROWING… but his action should be analyzed… that’s all!”
I wish you people who want to jump down my throat would bother to read what I wrote. I said “I’M NOT SAYING HE’S THROWING … but his action should be analyzed…that’s all!
— Ian Maurice (@ian_maurice) December 23, 2024
Please stop this nonsense of questioning Jasprit Bumrah’s action: Greg Chappell
However, former Australia cricketer Greg Chappell recently criticized fans for questioning Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling action. Chappell praised Bumrah for his impressive performance in the ongoing Test series.
He strongly defended Bumrah’s unique bowling action, stating that it was clean and should not be doubted, as such questions undermine both the bowler and the game.
Greg Chappell wrote in a column for the Sydney Morning Herald: “India’s bowlers, spearheaded by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah, looked sharper and more menacing. By the way, please stop this nonsense of questioning Bumrah’s action. It is unique, but it is unequivocally clean. It demeans a champion performer and the game to even bring it up.”