Fox commentator Isa Guha describes Indian bowler Bumrah as a ‘primate’

Fox commentator and former England cricketer Isa Guha has become embroiled in controversy after describing Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah as a “primate” during the third Test between Australia and India.

Guha, who has also worked as a presenter for the BBC’s Wimbledon and Olympics coverage, made the remark during the first session of day two of the Test at the Gabba.

It happened during a live exchange with fellow commentators Allan Border and Brett Lee. Lee said: “Bumrah, today: five overs, 2-4. So, that’s the tone, and that’s what you want from the ex-skipper.”

Guha responded by 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 build-up to this Test match, and whether he would be fit.”

A spokesman for the Indian team said they did not hear the remark.

The comment has sparked controversy in India, with newspaper The Times of India comparing it to the “monkeygate” scandal of 2008 when Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was accused of calling Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds a “monkey”.

Guha’s parents are from Kolkata and she is one of the most prominent British Asian presenters in sport.

She is a lead presenter of the BBC’s cricket on television and has also worked on the corporation’s Wimbledon coverage as well as its programs from the 2024 Olympics in Paris.