Cricket: Warne was robbed of maiden ton

Shane Warne took a nasty hit this week when he learned that he was unfairly prevented from scoring his maiden test century three years ago, in a game against against New Zealand.

The Australian leg-spinner - the most successful bowler in test history - was dismissed for 99 in the third test against New Zealand at Perth in 2001-02.

Warne was given out after he miscued a slog-sweep off Daniel Vettori and was caught by Mark Richardson in the deep.

However, previously unseen television footage screened during the Australian cricket awards in Melbourne revealed that umpire Darrell Hair missed the fact that Vettori had bowled a no-ball, which meant that Warne should have reached his milestone.

Warne expressed his disappointment to in diplomatic terms.

Asked by host Eddie McGuire how he felt about it, he said: "We're on television so I can't swear.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed, but what can you do?

"That's the way it is.

"There's nothing I can do about it but just get another one, I suppose."

- REUTERS