6 Most selfless acts in cricket

6. Adam Gilchrist walking back in the World Cup semi-final:

Most of the incidents listed here were for the team but this is probably one of the greatest moments of selflessness which was for the sake of the spirit of the game. It was a World Cup semi-final – without a doubt, one of the biggest matches for any cricketer.

Batting first, Australia were 34/0 at the end of the 5th over when Aravinda de Silva was brought into the attack. Gilchrist tried to sweep his second delivery, but only managed a thin edge which the umpire Rudi Koertzen failed to notice. He gave the batsman a reprieve as the Sri Lankans stood in disbelief. Gilly stood, waited for the decision and then silently walked back to the dressing room despite being given not out as the celebrations of the Sri Lankan players came back to life.

It was one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship, partly because he belonged to a country where players are taught to win at any cost and partly because it was a World Cup semi-final and an astonishing act of self-sacrifice as Gilchrist was en route of a big innings in the semi-final – a match in which every cricketer desires to put up a strong performance.

Also read – 13 Spirit of Cricket moments that won the hearts of the fans

Written by Shubh Aggarwal