India's pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has once again found himself caught in a storm with allegations of a suspect bowling action making headlines ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia, which starts on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
Veteran Australian sports commentator Ian Maurice has courted 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 was not “put under the microscope”.
Jasprit Bumrah faces controversy over bowling action ahead of Boxing Day Test
However, Bumrah has let his performance do the talking in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy being played between India and Australia. With 21 wickets in six innings at a staggering average of 10.90, including two stunning five-wicket innings, the Indian pace spearhead left the Australian batting line-up in tatters, leading the bowling order.
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Well, the controversy surrounding Bumrah's action is nothing new, but his ability to swing the ball both ways with a short run has raised many eyebrows and reignited the 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 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
On Monday, December 23, Ian Maurice expressed concern over 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 scrutinised.
Why didn't anyone question India paceman Bumrah's delivery?
Ian Maurice posted on X: “Why didn't anyone question India paceman Bumrah's delivery? Isn't that politically correct these days? I'm not saying that he throws, but at least the position of the arm at the point of delivery should be analyzed. Nine would have had it under a microscope a few years ago.”
Additionally, Australian sports commentators have suggested that cricket authorities are reluctant to look into Bumrah's bowling action due to fear of accusations of racism. He also 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 those of you 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 reviewed…that's all!”
I wish those of you who want to jump down my throat would bother to read what I wrote. I said “I'm NOT saying he throws…but his action should be looked at…that's it!
— Ian Maurice (@ian_maurice) December 23, 2024
Please stop this nonsense of questioning Jasprit Bumrah's action: Greg Chappell
However, former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell recently slammed 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, saying it was clean and should not be questioned as such questions undermine both the player and the game.
Greg Chappell wrote in a column for the Sydney Morning Herald: “India's bowlers, led by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah, looked sharper and more menacing. By the way, please stop this nonsense of questioning Bumrah's action. It's unique, but it's unequivocally clean. It demeans a champion player and even the game to bring it up.”