Sehwag was robbed...

For over 200 years our fine game has achieved high ground simply by adhering to one important unwritten guideline.

The 'Spirit of Cricket' ethos has driven the game in a satisfying direction and enabled enjoyment for all who participate. The sharpest focus will always be at the international level and those players have a responsibility to ensure that essential fabric of the game is maintained at all times.

There will always be those who will push the boundaries but the line drawn on the pitch of yesteryear should never be crossed.

Sadly, it was recently in Dambulla.

The controversy surrounding the deliberate no-ball delivered to Sehwag to deny him a fabulous century has left a sour taste in many mouths.

I am all for hard, tough cricket with no quarters given or taken but it is often a fine line to tread to ensure fairness. Sadly, the spirit of the game was badly compromised during the last encounter in the Micromax Cup between Sri Lanka and India and conclusive evidence has resulted in penalties.

This was a game that India needed to win to remain competitive in the tri series and a determined outfit hit the ground running. They steamrolled Sri Lanka and dominated to such an extent that they were also able to snatch a bonus point to suddenly strengthen their case.

The last ball of the match sparked the controversy that is now hogging headlines. The talented 25 year old off-spinner, Suraj Randiv was bowling to Virender Sehwag who had yet again entertained us brilliantly and was 99 not out.

The scores were level and India needed 1 run to win. Interestingly, lots of chatter and instruction was picked up on the stump microphones in Singhalese prior to the final delivery. One voice in particular was prominent. It was obeyed.

Sehwag, as is his want, intended to seal the victory in style. He waltzed down the track and slammed the ball for six and spontaneously raised his arms in triumph as he celebrated his 13th ODI century.

However, to everyone's shock, Randiv had overstepped intentionally by a country mile and umpire Asad Rauf correctly called a no-ball. The six did not stand as the no-ball indiscretion occurred first and the 'one man wrecking machine' was stranded on 99.

Before long accusations were flying everywhere with Sehwag adamant that the no-ball was bowled intentionally to deny him the milestone. It certainly appeared that the 'Spirit of Cricket' had been severely compromised.

Tapes of the last three deliveries were called for and scrutinised, and an official apology was immediately sent to the BCCI from Sri Lanka Cricket. Even an emotional Suraj Randiv personally apologised to Sehwag.

Sri Lanka Cricket subsequently launched an investigation into the incident and has now taken the necessary action. Randiv and Dilshan were both on the receiving end of punishment whilst Sangakkara as skipper, was warned that no such incidents will take place in the future under his watch.

It was wrong to deny the century. It was cowardly and childish behaviour. After all, what does that prove? This unsporting stance has no place in the game.

Whilst it is not the gravest of transgressions I sincerely hope it serves as a timely wake up call for those involved. Cricket does not need this petulance.

Sehwag was robbed.