Legendary Australia cricketer Greg Chappell has lauded India’s Jasprit Bumrah as a "champion performer" after his Player of the Match performance in the first Test between India and Australia at Optus Stadium, Perth. He also set the record straight concerning the Indian pacer’s bowling action.
Bumrah, captained India in absence of Rohit Sharma and led from front as he picked 8/72 in the Perth Test, helping India win by 295 runs to go 1-0 up in the five-Test series.
However, despite this outstanding performance, some fans have complained about the pacer's bowling action, accusing him of throwing. After broadcasters continually showed side-on vision of the moment just before he releases the ball, many were left wondering whether his action is actually legal?
Bumrah has a noticeable bend in his arm before he delivers the ball, leaving numerous cricket fans questioning whether he's actually 'chucking'. Bumrah has never been reported or undergone testing, and the key lies in the fact his arm 'hyperextends' rather than bends.
However, despite this outstanding performance, some fans have complained about the pacer's bowling action, accusing him of throwing. Chappell has now clarified the situation, stating that there should be an end to the "nonsense" of repeatedly criticizing the 30-year-old's bowling action.
"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.
By the way, please stop this nonsense of questioning Bumrah’s actions. It is unique, but it is unequivocally clean. It demeans a champion performer and the game to even bring it up," Chappell wrote in his column for Sydney Morning Herald.
Greg Chappell also stated that the selectors may have to make some difficult decisions if Australia were to suffer another setback in Adelaide. Since losing the first Test in Perth by 295 runs, the hosts have faced a barrage of criticism.
"It is frightening to think that spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin – who have more than 850 wickets between them – along with batters Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, will most likely come in to strengthen the Indians for Adelaide. Mohammed Shami, with 229 Test wickets to his credit, is waiting in the wings as well," said Chappell.
Chappell reserved rich praise for 22-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal, who slammed his first overseas century in the second innings of the Perth Test. The left-hander's knock of 161 has left Chappell impressed, saying his "determination is remarkable."
"Jaiswal’s journey encapsulates why India’s planning and infrastructure give them a clear edge in world cricket. The young left-hander moved to Mumbai at 10, seeking the best competition torealizee his dream of representing India. Considering the staggering odds of breaking into the Indian XI, his determination is remarkable.
There are so many players in India who are good enough to play Test cricket, but some can’t even get a game for their State team," Chappell wrote.
The second Test between Australia and India will be played in Adelaide from December 6, and it will be a day-night, pink ball affair.
(PTI inputs)
