NEW DELHI: Former England cricketer Isa Guha embroiled herself in a big controversy after making a racially insensitive remark about Jasprit Bumrah during commentary on Day 2 of the third Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia at the Gabba.
In the opening half hour of play on Day 2, Bumrah dismissed Australian openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, leaving former Australia pacer Brett Lee impressed as he shared his thoughts on the session while commentating for Fox Cricket.
“Bumrah, today: five overs, 2-4. So, that’s the tone, and that’s what you want from the ex-skipper,” Lee said.
In response to Lee’s praise, Guha sparked controversy with an eyebrow-raising remark, referring to Bumrah as a “primate.”
“Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah,” she added.
The incident drew parallels to the infamous 2008 ‘MonkeyGate’ controversy, when Harbhajan Singh was accused by the late Andrew Symonds of using a racial slur by calling him a monkey.
Bumrah (5/72) was the only bright spot for India on a day where Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101) centuries took Australia to 405/7 at the close of play on Day 2.
Bumrah dismissed them both after tea but not until the pair had batted through the entire middle session to undo India’s positive start of three morning wickets.
Victory at the Gabba would put Australia within one test win of sealing their place in the WTC final while taking India’s hopes of reaching the decider out of their hands.