"Please stop this nonsense of questioning Jasprit Bumrah’s action" - Greg Chappell after pacer's sensational performance in BGT 2024-25 1st Test
Former Australian batter Greg Chappell has hit back at those questioning Jasprit Bumrah's slinging-arm bowling action, claiming it's unequivocally clean. Chappell's statement comes after the right-arm speedster starred in Team India's thumping win over Australia in the first of the five Tests in Perth.
Bumrah, captaining in Rohit Sharma's absence, handled the responsibility of leading the side and the bowling attack supremely well. The 30-year-old rattled the Australians with immaculate line and length combined with pace, taking eight wickets across two innings.
In his column for The Sydney Morning Herald, the former India coach wrote that questioning Bumrah's action is a blot on the champion bowler's abilities and the game.
"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."
He observed that Australia's batting performance was far more concerning than their bowling in Perth, headlining their inability to handle Bumrah.
"The Perth Test began with promise. Australia’s bowlers, fresh, fit and sharp, restricted India to a modest 150. It was a fantastic start, although India probably should have been bowled out for less. Yet it was Australia’s batting performance that was more concerning. India’s bowlers, spearheaded by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah, looked sharper and more menacing. Australia were bundled out for 104 in 52 overs, with Bumrah proving almost unplayable at times," he added.
Despite bowling Team India out for 150 on Day 1, Australia conceded a 46-run first-innings lead. Although the hosts put on an improved show in the fourth innings, a 534-run target on a deteriorating surface meant they were skittled for 238.
"Those sages seriously misread the talent in this Indian team" - Greg Chappell
Greg Chappell also suggested how those expecting the Indian team to be blown away by Australia are deceived now, adding in the aforementioned column:
"Some of the fanciful predictions before the series began now look extremely flawed. Those sages seriously misread the talent in this Indian team."
The two teams will resume their battle in the second Test, beginning on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval.