BBC presenter apologises for making 'primate' comment about player on live TV as former coach responds

BBC cricket presenter Isa Guha has apologised after making an on-air comment about a player during the ongoing Test series between Australia and India.

Guha, who played international cricket for England women between 2001 and 2011 before embarking on a media career across several sports, is currently working for Fox Sports in Australia throughout the duration of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

The series between the two men's sides is currently level at 1-1 after two Tests played, with the third Test ongoing at the Gabba in Brisbane.

One of the star players thus far has been India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has taken 185 Test wickets at a career average of 19.96 and is widely regarded as the best bowler in world cricket.

The 31-year-old has already taken 17 wickets during the current series, including a six-wicket haul in Australia's first innings in Brisbane.

While on commentary during day two of the third Test, Guha referred to Bumrah as the 'most valuable primate' while highlighting his importance to the India team - a comment which quickly received attention on social media.

The 39-year-old said: "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."

Ahead of the third day's play, Guha issued an on-air apology over the comment while sat alongside Australia's Adam Gilchrist and India's Ravi Shastri.

She stated: "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 of others, and if you listen to the full transcript, I only meant the highest praise for one of India's greatest players and someone who I admire greatly as well.

"I am an advocate for equality, and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game. I'm trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I've chosen the wrong word, and for that, I am deeply sorry.

"As someone who is also of South Asian heritage [Guha's parents were both born in Kolkata before emigrating to England in the 1970s], I hope that people would recognise that there was no other intention or malice there. I hope that this hasn't overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far and I look forward to see how it progresses.

"Once again, I am really, really sorry."

In response, former India coach and legendary all-rounder Shastri said: "Brave woman, to do it on live television and apologise takes some steel. And you've heard it from the horse's mouth. So as far as I'm concerned, game over.

"People are entitled to make mistakes. We are all human.

"In the heat of the moment, like you saw with the [India bowler, Mohammed] Siraj incident with [Australia batter] Travis Head, sometimes when you have the mic in your hands, things can happen.

"But to own up, put your hand up and say, 'I'm sorry', if things have gone out of place, takes courage. She's done it, now let's move on."

Gilchrist - one of the star players in the dominant Australia sides of the 1990s and 2000s - added: "I agree. We all know, and the people who come into contact with you know, your professionalism, your integrity and your genuine level of compassion and concern for anyone that you engage with. So well done, and you've got our full support."

The fourth day of the third Test gets underway on Monday, with India closing at 51/4 on day three in response to Australia's first innings score of 445 all out. Travis Head and Steve Smith both scored centuries for the hosts in Brisbane.