Former England women’s cricketer and renowned commentator Isa Guha has issued a public apology after referring to Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah as a ‘primate’ during commentary on the second day of the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba.
The incident occurred during the morning session when Guha, lauding Bumrah’s impact, remarked: “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.”
The comment drew criticism, prompting Guha to address the matter before the start of play on Monday.
In a live broadcast, she delivered an 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.”
Guha, who has South Asian heritage, emphasized that her comment was made without any malice. She also reiterated her commitment to promoting equality and inclusion in cricket.
Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri, Guha’s co-commentator, praised her for owning up to the error.
“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,” Shastri remarked.
India Struggles on Field
Meanwhile, India is facing a challenging situation in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia posted a commanding first-innings total of 445, powered by centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head. India, however, faltered early in their reply.
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were dismissed cheaply, managing just four and one run, respectively. Captain Virat Kohli followed soon after, falling for three to Josh Hazlewood.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant managed only nine before Pat Cummins struck again, leaving India at 48/4 by the third day. KL Rahul (30*) and skipper Rohit Sharma (0*) are at the crease, with India trailing by 397 runs and under immense pressure to avoid a follow-on.
