- Bumrah has excelled during the Border-Gavaskar series
- Paceman has carried India's attack almost single-handedly
Veteran sports commentator Ian Maurice has blamed political correctness for cricket's failure to bring Indian superstar Jasprit Bumrah under scrutiny for what he believes is a suspicious bowling action.
The Indian great has been a standout performer in this series and how well the Aussies counter him in Melbourne and Sydney will go a long way in deciding whether they regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The Australians were left in tatters at 8-70 at the start of the second day of the Perth Test, largely due to Bumrah's five-wicket haul as he tore through the top order at the Optus Stadium.
Cricket fans at the time called for an investigation into the pace bowler's action after he produced a devastating swing in both directions in a short run.
On Monday, Maurice took to X to comment on the matter and posted: “Why has no one questioned the delivery of Indian pacer Bumrah? Isn't it politically correct nowadays?
'I'm not saying he's throwing, but at least the position of the arm at the point of release should be analyzed. Nine would have had it under the microscope a few years ago.
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been sensational during the Border-Gavaskar series
Former sports commentator Ian Maurice (pictured) believes cricket's powers that be are refusing to scrutinize the pacer's action because they fear being called racist.
In fact, Bumrah's unorthodox action has been discussed over the years, with some comparing him to Pakistani bowler Mohammad Hasnain, who was banned from international cricket for bowling in 2022.
At the time, renowned bowling coach and former England player Ian Pont explained why Bumrah's action is legal.
'You can see his arm straight from wrist to elbow. The rule is that when the elbow is above vertical it should not be bent more than 15 degrees,” Pont said.
'You can clearly see the forward flexion of his arm, which is a hyperextension. This is allowed (a forward bend) for people with hypermobile joints.
'A hyperextension is a movement in a direction similar to the direction of the movement, not downward or to the side. That is why Bumrah's action is classified as legal, since it is within the guidelines of hypermobility.'
Paul Felton, senior lecturer in biomechanics at Nottingham Trent University, has worked with numerous cricket coaches and explained in more detail how hypermobility is an advantage for Bumrah, but a legal one.
“His hypermobility also provides other advantages because he is able to maintain alignment throughout his bowling action, which reduces variability in his line and length control,” he said.
'So, his hypermobility makes him unique. Which is capable of maximizing speed by accessing more optimal movement patterns, which increases control and provides a lower risk of injury.
Bumrah's unique action has been the subject of debate over the years and is considered perfectly legal by several experts in the field.
Bumrah (pictured with wife Sanjana Ganesan) has been exceptional this year and crucial for the Indian team throughout the tour of Australia.
Australian cricket legend Greg Chappell says Bumrah's technique is 'unequivocally clean'
Australian cricket legend Greg Chappell also spoke on the issue and said fans should stop questioning the 30-year-old's technique.
“The Indian bowlers, led by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah, looked sharper and more threatening. “Australia were bowled out for 104 in 52 overs, with Bumrah proving almost unplayable at times,” Chappell wrote in a column for the Sydney Morning Herald.
'By the way, please stop this nonsense of questioning Bumrah's action. It is unique, but unmistakably clean. “To mention that demeans a champion player and the game.”
Former Australian opener David Warner has offered an insight into why it is so difficult to face the Indian star on the field.
'Bumrah's key challenge is getting used to his action. If you haven't faced it before, it can be quite a challenge,” Warner said.
You have to try to get used to the stutter at the crease. And then unleash some lightning bolts. He always gets the line and length right. You can turn them both ways.
'I think the good thing about him is that he has two different gears. He can throw it when the ball is new and then he can go the other length.'
The fourth Australia-India Test begins on Boxing Day at the MCG with the series locked at one win each.