Ravichandran Ashwin gives hilarious response to fan on X accusing Jasprit Bumrah of ball tampering during BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Legendary India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gave a hilarious yet befitting reply to an X user for accusing Jasprit Bumrah of ball tampering in the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney on Sunday, January 5. The user questioned about an extra material in Bumrah’s shoe before dropping a questionable tweet.

The user wrote:

“Breaking: India are being investigated by the ICC for ball tampering. This comes after an undisclosed item fell out of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s shoe.”

Reacting to the post, Ashwin, who retired from international cricket after the 3rd Test between the two teams in Brisbane, replied with laughing emojis:

“That’s a finger protection pad.”

India missed the services of Bumrah due to an injury in the second essay against Australia. The speedster bowled just 10 overs against Australia in the first innings. He was then unavailable for the remainder of the Test match as Australia beat India by four wickets to seal the series by a 3-1 margin. This was the Aussies’ first Test series win against India since 2014-15.

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“15 people really pleased” – Australian batter on Jasprit Bumrah’s absence due to injury in fifth Test

Australia star batter Travis Head, who emerged as the leading run-scorer in the series with 448 runs, expressed the team’s delight as India were without captain Jasprit Bumrah during the second innings of the fifth Test. The 31-year-old said (via Cricket Addictor):

“I think there were 15 people really pleased that Bumrah didn’t bowl today. He’s a great performer; he had an exceptional tour.”

Meanwhile, Bumrah shared that he prioritized his body to avoid a serious injury ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19. The 30-year-old said in the post-match show (via ESPNcricinfo):

"A little frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body, and you can't fight your body. Sometimes you have to accept. Would have loved to bowl on the spiciest wicket of the series. Just had a little discomfort after the first innings.”

With the loss, India have lost their place in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia and South Africa will lock horns in the championship final in June.