Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews was given “timed out” in an ICC World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh yesterday, which sent the cricketing world into a frenzy. This was the first such dismissal in the history of international cricket and Mathews became the unfortunate victim of it.
Angelo Mathews, came down to bat in the 25th over at the fall of Sadeera Samarawickrama’s wicket.
Mathews took his time walking in, and then struggled with his helmet as the strap broke just as he was taking guard.
He signalled to the dressing room for a new helmet, however, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan appealed for a “timed out” dismissal, which was upheld by the on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth.
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Mathews was seen deep in discussion with Bangladesh and the umpires, but the appeal was not withdrawn and Mathews had to walk back dismayed.
What does the law say regarding ‘timed out’?
The ICC World Cup 2023 playing conditions pertaining to “timed out” dismissals reads thus:
40.1.1 After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out.
— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) November 6, 2023
Why is it disgraceful?
The law is there to save time and not to give any undue advantage to the batting side, if they are trying to waste time to break the momentum. However, in this case, Mathews was ready to take strike and his helmet broke off while taking the guard.
🚨 Shakib: "Angelo Mathews asked me can I withdraw my appeal? I said, see angelo this is the rule. It's very unfortunate but I am playing for my country"#BANvsSL | #AngeloMathewspic.twitter.com/IzZpSMuD3J
— Haroon 🏏🌠 (@HaroonM33120350) November 6, 2023
Mathews further pleaded to the umpires as well as Shakib Al Hasan, explaining his situation and we have seen in past that teams haven’t appeal for such mode of dismissals.
Hence, the Mathews’ ‘timed out’ dismissal was within the law, but Shakib Al Hasan could have withdrawn the appeal keeping sportsman spirit alive, considering the unfortunate scenario for the batter.
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