Sehwag and the big bang

TUEC nod helps opener tackle hearing issue

In a bizarre coincidence, Sehwag appeared to be confirming his captain’s take when he didn’t walk after gloving the first ball he faced on the opening day of the third Test against England. 

The opener’s return to international cricket lasted all of one ball when he attempted to drop his wrists against Stuart Broad’s opening delivery of the day’s second over, only to see it cut back sharply and go off his glove to wicket-keeper Matt Prior.

There was a definite noise and the England players’ appeal was instantaneous. Sehwag, though, stayed put and Australian umpire Steve Davis agreed with the batsman.  But the hosts were certain Sehwag had ‘nicked’ it and immediately went for review. The Hot Spot justified England’s move to challenge Davis’ initial verdict.

Sehwag had applied to the International Cricket Council’s Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (TUEC) requesting for use of prohibited substances.  The Delhi batsman reportedly had difficulty in his left ear along with some visual and balancing problems after being exposed  to a loud sound on July 24 at the National Cricket Academy, where he was having his rehabilitation after surgery to his right shoulder.

Diagnosed as suffering from sensorineural hearing loss, the 32-year-old was prescribed some medication out of which one was an oral steroid (Betnesol) and needed a TUEC permission.

The ICC anti-doping cell had granted the TUE and Sehwag was allowed to use this oral steroid until August 1. But with the problem persisting, an ENT specialist in Delhi advised him to continue on oral corticosteroids (Medrol) as well for one more week. Subsequently, a second TUE application was filed to allow the use of the prescribed corticosteroid till August 8.