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Former India head coach Greg Chappell has hit back at those questioning Jasprit Bumrah's bowling action after he took eight wickets in Perth Test against Australia. Bumrah bagged a five-wicket haul in the first innings to bowl the hosts out for 104 and get India ahead despite a low score after opting to bat.
"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," Chappel wrote in his column for the Sydney Morning Herald.
Chappell raised concerns over Australian batters' inability to tackle Bumrah who has been menacing on Australian pitches.
"The Perth Test began with promise. Australia’s bowlers, fresh, fit and sharp, restricted India to a modest 150. It was a fantastic start, although India probably should have been bowled out for less. 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. Australia were bundled out for 104 in 52 overs, with Bumrah proving almost unplayable at times," he added.
Chappell took an dig at the former Australian cricketers predicting the hosts to dominate the tourists who were whitewashed at home by New Zealand.
"Some of the fanciful predictions before the series began now look extremely flawed. Those sages seriously misread the talent in this Indian team," the 76-year-old said.
Australia to being Adelaide preparations early
After suffering their first defeat at Perth Stadium, Australia will have plenty of time to prepare for the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval starting December 6. Skipper Pat Cummins has already said that the Australian team will reach early to start their preparations. The last time India played Australia in Adelaide, the tourists were bowled out for 36, their lowest score in the format.
After conquering Perth, India will look to tackle the demons of 2020. In a big boost, skipper Rohit Sharma has joined the squad ahead of the warm-up game at Manuka Oval, Canberra starting November 30.
