Jasprit Bumrah’s Bowling Action Defended by Greg Chappell in Wake of Controversy
Former India head coach Greg Chappell has defended Jasprit Bumrah. This comes amid new claims about the pacer’s bowling action. Chappell, writing for The Sydney Morning Herald, called the claims “nonsense.” He praised Bumrah’s superb performance in India’s 295-run win over Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth.
India’s Historic Victory in Perth
India’s win in Perth was their biggest Test victory in Australia by runs. It surpassed a 1977 win in Melbourne. The match also secured India’s 10th Test win on Australian soil. India was bowled out for just 150 in the first innings. But they turned the game around, thanks largely to Jasprit Bumrah. In place of regular captain Rohit Sharma, Bumrah took five wickets. This restricted Australia to just 104 runs. He ended with eight wickets in the match.
Chappell lauded Bumrah’s performance, stating:
“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. 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. The top order is a major concern. To avoid forced changes, they must deliver in Adelaide,” – Chappell wrote in his column in The Sydney Morning Herald.
Concerns for Australia’s Batting Lineup
While India celebrated a historic win, Australia’s top order faced sharp criticism. Chappell worried about their ability to handle India’s bowling, led by Bumrah.
One player under scrutiny is Marnus Labuschagne. The right-hander has struggled with form since July 2023. In the Perth Test, he managed just 2 runs off 52 balls and 3 runs off five balls. Chappell criticized Labuschagne’s defensive approach, suggesting a change in mindset is essential:
“Marnus Labuschagne knows he is under pressure. With only 330 runs from his last 16 innings, he must rediscover his form quickly and revert to the free-flowing style of old; two off 52 balls is not good enough. A change of mindset should be his first port of call. He looks to be batting for survival when he really should be looking to score runs. A subtle but important difference,” – he wrote.
“At this stage, I don’t expect the Australian selectors to panic. However, if the same team takes the field in Adelaide and falters under the lights … watch out!” – Chappell added.
Jaiswal and Rahul Shine for India
India’s second innings saw a stunning partnership. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul scored 201 runs. It’s India’s highest opening stand in Australia. Jaiswal’s fearless 161 and Rahul’s steady 77 built India’s 331-run second innings.
Chappell heaped praise on Jaiswal, calling him an “emerging superstar” poised to continue India’s batting legacy:
“The pitch, too, evolved, becoming less treacherous. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul capitalised, making the Australian bowlers look ordinary. Rahul’s quality is well-known, but Jaiswal is an emerging superstar. The young opener is fearless and appears poised to inherit the mantle of Indian batting excellence, following the likes of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar,” – he wrote.
