It was a game remarkably devoid of drama — a welcome change from recent Indo-Aussie face-offs — with cricket holding centrestage during the first finals of the tri-series at the SCG on Sunday night. The only incident with the potential for controversy involved two men who are, thankfully, good friends; both had the maturity to understand that it was less an incident than an accident, and therefore shook hands and got on with things.

The incident in question occured during the 40th over of India's successful run chase, with Sachin Tendulkar closing in on his first one-day hundred in Australia in 39 attempts. With unusually heavy dew making it difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball, Brett Lee steamed in and let go a full pitch that caught the Indian opener, then 98, totally off guard. The 140-kmph missile homed in at the batsman's head, and only Tendulkar's reflexes and a massive slice of luck prevented significant damage as the ball pinged him on his left shoulder.

Tendulkar looked up sharply, only to be greeted by the sight of the 31-year-old paceman putting his hand up in apology, walking down the length of the pitch to explain that the ball had slipped out of his hands, putting his arm around the Mumbaikar, then offering a shake of the hand in further apology. “No problem, mate,” Tendulkar replied, and got on with his job — of making a 42nd one-day hundred and, more importantly, guiding the team to a six-wicket victory and a crucial 1-0 lead.

It was an example gentlemen from both sides will do well to emulate in a summer characterised by bad blood and constant exchange of heated words. Later, Tendulkar showed equal poise as he shrugged off the 'beamer'.

“I know Brett very well and I can tell you that it was not intentional at all,” Tendulkar told newsmen. “All I told him was when he comes to India to play IPL, he'll have to deal with my son, who is a big fan of his. I am extremely sure that it slipped out of his hand. I have no hard feelings about that,” the Mumbaikar said.