Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah produced a scintillating performance in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth, claiming a five-wicket haul that played a pivotal role in giving India a crucial 46-run lead. While his spell earned praise from cricketing experts and fans globally, some Australian fans stirred controversy by accusing Bumrah of chucking.
Bumrah’s Unorthodox Action Under Scrutiny
Bumrah’s unique bowling action, which has always been a point of discussion due to its unorthodox style, came under fire once again. A few Australian fans questioned whether his delivery style was legal, raising concerns about his elbow flexion.
However, Bumrah’s bowling action has never been flagged for official scrutiny by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The key reason is that his action complies with ICC regulations, which allow a maximum elbow flexion of 15 degrees during delivery.
The Science Behind Bumrah’s Action
Bumrah’s bowling technique involves a natural hyperextension of the elbow, which gives him additional leverage and whip. This motion allows him to generate extra pace and deliver the ball closer to the batter, creating a challenging trajectory. Despite his unconventional style, he stays well within the ICC’s rules, making the accusations baseless.
Cricketing experts have repeatedly emphasized that Bumrah’s action is not only legal but also one of the reasons for his effectiveness. His ability to extract bounce and movement while maintaining accuracy has made him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket.
Bumrah’s Match-Winning Spell
Bumrah’s impact in the Perth Test was undeniable. He dismantled Australia’s batting lineup with a fiery spell, dismissing debutant Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, and Steve Smith on the opening day, with Smith falling for a golden duck. His relentless accuracy also accounted for Pat Cummins, and he returned on day two to remove the in-form Alex Carey, finishing with exceptional figures of 5-30 from 18 overs.
India, bowled out for just 150 in their first innings, relied heavily on Bumrah’s brilliance to restrict Australia to 104. His performance ensured India had a slender but vital 46-run lead heading into the second innings.
Sour Grapes from Opponents
The allegations of chucking appear to stem from frustration among some Australian fans, as Bumrah’s natural bowling action offers him a distinct advantage. Instead of celebrating his skill, the criticism reflects an unwillingness to acknowledge his match-winning abilities.
Bumrah’s spell in Perth is a testament to his world-class talent and ability to thrive under pressure. As India continues its campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah’s form will remain a key factor in the team’s success.
