Former England women cricketer and commentator Isa Guha issued a heartfelt apology after referring to Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a 'primate'.
The incident occurred during her commentary on the second day of the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane.
Guha, speaking during the first session of play, praised Bumrah’s exceptional performance, saying, “Well, he’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah. He is the one that’s going to do all the talking for India, and why so much focus was on him in the buildup to this Test match, and whether he would be fit.”
On Monday, the commentator addressed the issue before the start of play at the Gabba, offering an on-air apology:
“Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Firstly, I’d like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others. If you listen to the full transcript, I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players, someone I admire greatly.
“I am an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game. I am deeply sorry for choosing the wrong word and hope this does not overshadow what has been a great Test match so far.”
The former cricketer also highlighted her South Asian heritage and emphasized that her comment was made without malice or negative intent.
Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri, a colleague of Guha’s, praised her for addressing the situation directly.
“Brave woman, to do it on live television and apologise. It takes some steel. As far as I’m concerned, game over. People are entitled to make mistakes. To own up and say, ‘I’m sorry’ … it takes courage. She’s done it. Let’s move on,” said Shastri.
Meanwhile, on the field, India finds itself in a precarious position during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia was bowled out for 445 in their first innings, but India’s batting lineup faltered early on day three.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for four by Mitchell Starc, followed by Shubman Gill (1) and Virat Kohli (3), who fell to Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Rishabh Pant managed just nine runs before being dismissed by skipper Pat Cummins, leaving India at 48/4.
KL Rahul (30*) and captain Rohit Sharma (0*) are currently at the crease, with the visitors under immense pressure, now 397 runs behind Australia’s total.
- Jasprit Bumrah
