Accusations of Chucking Against Jasprit Bumrah Spark Controversy Among Australian Fans: Understanding the ICC's Rules on Bowling Action

Bumrah has been widely praised by fans and experts from around the world for his exceptional bowling performance that played a crucial role in India's defense of a slender lead. Despite delivering one of the most impressive displays of pace bowling in recent times, Bumrah did not escape criticism from Australian supporters.

Bumrah’s incredible spell received some flak from certain fans, who questioned the Indian stand-in skipper's bowling action and asked whether he was chucking.

While Bumrah’s technique and style are certainly unorthodox and unique to a standard seamer, with him having raised eyebrows in the past, it has never developed into an official investigation.

Hyperextension in his elbow allows Bumrah to get extra leverage and whip during his bowling motion, all while not flexing his elbow beyond the legal 15 degrees as mandated by the ICC’s rules.

Bumrah’s natural motion allows him to ‘snap’ the ball forward and therefore, deliver the ball from closer to the batter, creating an awkward and more challenging trajectory. Nevertheless, given that his bowling is completely legal and gives him a natural advantage, it can only be interpreted as sour grapes by Australian fans.

Bumrah’s spell with the opening ball against Australia’s top order on day one saw him dismiss debutant Nathan McSweeney, before his persistent spell also accounted for the wickets of Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith for a golden duck.

Bumrah also dismissed Pat Cummins, before returning on day two to dismiss Australia’s in-form batter in the form of Alex Carey. Finishing with figures of 5-30 after bowling 18 overs in the first innings, Bumrah’s fantastic form helped India produce a 46-run lead despite being bundled out for just 150 on day one.