Ashwin dismisses 'ball-tampering' accusation and calls for 'ICC investigation' after viral Bumrah video

Australia clinched a 3-1 series win in a nail-biting encounter at the Sydney Cricket Ground, claiming back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after ten long years of Indian dominance. In a tense battle, Australia secured a six-wicket victory with Travis Head and Beau Webster leading the charge in challenging batting conditions. India's chances were hampered by the absence of their star bowler and key player Jasprit Bumrah, which further fueled Australia's triumph.

Bumrah bowled minimal overs in the first innings due to reported back spasms, and not at all in the second innings, with Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj tasked with the responsibility of India’s bowling. That didn’t mean Bumrah didn’t find enough time to be mired in controversy, however, as rival fans were quick to jump on his case as an allegedly suspicious item was seen in his possession by TV cameras.

Bumrah was removing and re-wearing his shoes, when a small tube fell out and was pocketed by Bumrah. Some Australian fans tried to make a big deal out of it, but eagle-eyed viewers noticed that it was an innocuous bit of toe-wrapping tape that Bumrah was removing, including his former teammate Ravichandran Ashwin.

Responding to the post on X, Ashwin wrote curtly and with laughing emojis: “That’s a finger protection pad,” not saving any time to engage with allegations made against Bumrah based on such a feeble bit of logic. Some fans asked if Bumrah was trying to hide something, a sore spot for Australian cricket after some of their biggest names were caught in the sandpapergate scandal in South Africa in 2018.

Bumrah's efforts in series in vain

Ashwin retired partway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, calling it time on a long and illustrious career representing India. Meanwhile, Bumrah enjoyed a fine series, winning player of the series honours as he took a remarkable 32 wickets after appearing in every match, with his consistent effort throughout finally catching up with him as he was forced to sit out in the crucial last part of the series.

India were in the hunt for a win with Australia at 58-3, but Travis Head stitched together strong partnerships with Usman Khawaja and debutant Beau Webster, who looks to be a true find for Australia, as they completed an ultimately simple victory at the SCG.

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