The contests between India and Sri Lanka have, by and large, been played in excellent spirit. Understandably, both sides moved quickly to put the Suraj Randiv no-ball incident behind them.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will conduct an immediate internal inquiry into the matter. The probe will be headed by Sri Lanka team manager Anura Tennekkon. And Indian team manager Ranjib Biswal said the SLC had expressed its regret over the incident.
With the scores level, the Lankan off-spinner delivered a huge no-ball to Virender Sehwag, just one short of his century at the Rangiri Stadium on Monday. The Indian opener later said, Randiv over-stepping the line was a "deliberate" act to deny him a hundred.
Mr. Biswal informed the media on Tuesday, "This morning, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha Ranatunga called me up expressing his regret about yesterday’s no-ball incident. He expressed his regret officially and asked me to convey it to the Indian team, particularly to Sehwag. They (SLC) have also assured that they will look into the matter officially. On behalf of Team India, we have accepted Nishantha’s regret and we hope that both the countries’ cricketing relations go forward."
The Indian team manager revealed, "Randiv had himself gone to Sehwag’s room (last night) and apologised for his action. I believe (Kumar) Sangagakkara has spoke to coach Gary (Kirsten) and expressed his regret. So basically, it was done in the spur of the moment."
'Sehwag deserved century'
Mr. Biswal said Randiv had not breached any rules of the game. "But when it comes to the spirit of cricket and gamesmanship, one feels slighted about these things. The entire team felt Sehwag deserved a century."
The Indian manager said, “He (Sehwag) is a very cool guy. Yes, the regret of not reaching an international hundred was there but he took it in his stride. But he managed himself well. Everyone is smiling now."
Sehwag, meanwhile, tweeted that Randiv had come to room on Monday night to apologise for the incident.
The SLC was prompt with its response. The Board said in a release, "We are perturbed and disconcerted by the news reports which indicate that Virender Sehwag had been deliberately deprived of a reaching a century by Suraj Randiv bowling a no ball in the last over.
'Necessary to clear name'
"Sri Lanka Cricket being winners of the ‘ICC Spirit of the game’ award for two consecutive years is extremely proud of its Team and their achievements and conduct both on and off the field. As such it is necessary to clear the good name of Sri Lanka Cricket and Sri Lanka as a sporting nation, on a priority basis."
The SLC said, "In this endeavor, Sri Lanka Cricket officials have requested the Sri Lanka National Team Manager, Mr. Anura Tennekoon, to conduct an immediate internal inquiry and forward a comprehensive report in this regard, where action will be taken accordingly."
Sehwag may have missed a hundred but his match-winning innings marked a welcome return to form in ODI cricket. His was a judicious innings where he weathered the early storm with determination than booming strokes, coped with the movement off the seam and stood firm against a short-pitched barrage from Dilhara Fernando. Sehwag made a distinct attempt to play closer to his body and with soft hands. Once he was in control, he ripped open the attack with typical flair, timing and precision.
The intrepid opener notched up 146 against Sri Lanka at Rajkot in December 2009. In his subsequent 11 innings before his unbeaten 99 here, Sehwag's highest score was 47. He has averaged 37.00 from his nine ODIs so far in 2010; the numbers look better after his match-winning unconquered innings here.
Contrast this with his form in Test cricket. In an incredible run, Sehwag has six centuries and a 99 in his last nine Tests. In 2009, he averaged 70.11 (631 runs) from six Tests. Sehwag's 791 runs in seven Tests in 2010 so far have come at a whopping 71.90.
There is a belief that Sehwag relishes the open spaces in field placements in Test cricket. With the slip cordon and the close-catchers in place, there are a number of scoring opportunities. There have been occasions when Sehwag, frustrated by the strong in-field, has lashed out and perished as a consequence. His innings here was different. It was a wonderfully paced knock in a pressure situation. Despite periods of defence, he still made 99 not out off only a hundred deliveries.
With the World Cup approaching, India seeks more from this match-winner.
