Isa Guha responds after Jasprit Bumrah 'primate' comment raises eyebrows around cricket world
The popular commentator has apologised after the extraordinary remark on live TV.
A remorseful Isa Guha has issued an on-air apology after a controversial comment about Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah during the third cricket Test on Sunday. The English commentator was discussing Bumrah's incredible start to the series against Australia when she appeared to have a complete brain explosion.
The popular commentator labelled Bumrah "the MVP - Most Valuable Primate". She continued: "He is the one that’s going to do all the talking for India and why so much focus was on him in the build up to this Test match and whether he would be fit. He needs some support though.”
Guha's "primate" comment immediately lit up social media, with viewers questioning what she meant. The moment drew some ugly headlines in India, with a number of publications comparing it to the "monkey-gate" scandal between Andrew Symonds and Harbhajan Singh in 2008.
Isa Guha issues apology over Jasprit Bumrah comment
But speaking on Monday morning on Fox Cricket's coverage of the third day at the Gabba, Guha said: "Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I'd like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others.
"If you listen to the full transcript I only meant the highest praise for one of India's greatest players. And someone that I admire greatly. I'm an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game.
"I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I've chosen the wrong word. And for that I am deeply sorry. As someone who is also of south Asian heritage I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn't overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far - and I look forward to seeing how it progresses."
The 39-year-old was born in England, but her parents are both from India originally. She played eight Test matches, 83 one-dayers and 22 T20 internationals for England across a successful playing career, before moving into the media.
Speaking immediately after Guha's apology, Indian great Ravi Shastri commended her for the 'brave' move. The former India coach also revealed he'd been in contact with the Indian camp and no offence had been taken in regards to Guha's remark.
Jasprit Bumrah continues to play lone hand for India
Bumrah was a lone bright spark for India on Sunday, taking his 12th five-wicket haul in Tests. However the rest of the Indian attack struggled as Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101) sent Australia to 7-405 at stumps.
Bumrah finished with 5-72 from 25 challenging overs, but his lone hand sparked concerns about whether they're relying too heavily on him. The other four bowlers - Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja - could only manage 2-316 between them.
“It seems like Bumrah, if he gets injured, India are in a lot of trouble,” Aussie legend Allan Border said on Fox Cricket. “The other bowling is steady, but he’s the man, isn’t he. He’s so good. So dangerous.”
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Shastri said on SEN radio: "They were giving away runs on both sides. Bumrah has done most things right, but I think when you look at the others you think, 'can they execute?'
"They have to think how to bowl on one side of the wicket. If (Head) has to score, if it's the offside, then hold the line consistent. Then if he wants to go onside he has to take a chance. When you have someone cutting you for four and pulling you for four, it becomes very hard for the captain. Then when you pitch up he drives you for four."
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel said after the day's play: "We have the game plans but are we executing them with the softer ball from both ends? That is something we need to discuss and get better at. Bumrah is the No. 1 bowler in the world and of course you need somebody to back him up and help him but I can't fault the effort from the other seamers."
with AAP
