Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews unwittingly became part of cricket history, as he was given 'Timed Out' in the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh in Delhi, thus becoming the first batter in international cricket to be dismissed so.
Following the dismissal of Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews took more than the usual time to reach the middle. The all-rounder further delayed the game due to an apparent issue with the helmet strap. It was at this juncture that Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed to the umpires, who had a discussion and upheld the appeal. A furious Mathews, who made a late entry into the World Cup as a replacement player, walked back to the dug out, smashing his helmet outside the boundary rope in disgust.
Angelo Mathews got timed out!!!!!..😯😯 pic.twitter.com/Jqfw9dXupK
— Shawstopper (@shawstopper_100) November 6, 2023
Earlier, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and elected to field in a match marred by concerns about poor air quality in New Delhi.
'Timed Out' rule in cricket explained
According to MCC, a batter is deemed timed out under the following circumstance:
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 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement.
The laws also add that the bowler does not get the credit for the wicket.
ALSO READ | 'Timed Out' Angelo Mathews gives Shakib Al Hasan cryptic send-off
But, according to ICC World Cup 2023 playing conditions, the time limit for the batter is just two minutes.
"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," says the World Cup playing conditions.
Reactions
Pakistan great Waqar Younis said that the decision was "against spirit of cricket".
"Absolutely pathetic what happened Delhi today!," former India opener Gautam Gambhir.
Australian batter Usman Khawaja questioned how could Mathews' be given 'timed out' when his helmet strap broke while he was at the crease. "Angelo made his crease then his helmet strap broke. How is that timed out? I'm all for timed out if he doesn't make his crease but this is ridic (ridiculous). No different then a batsman getting to the crease then taking 3 minutes to face up," Khawaja asked.
