In an unexpected turn of events, Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews etched his name in cricket history by becoming the inaugural player to fall victim to a timed out dismissal in international cricket.
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This unique occurrence took place during a World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on a fateful Monday.
Angelo Mathews became the first batter in international cricket to be dismissed in this manner 👀
— ICC (@ICC) November 6, 2023
Why was he given out? 🧐#CWC23 #BANvSLhttps://t.co/4VS5s1Nf5s
Let’s Understand What Is Timed Out Dismissal?
In cricket, the term “timed out” is relatively rare and occurs when a batsman takes too much time to arrive at the crease after a dismissal or the fall of a wicket. The Laws of cricket specify a maximum time limit for a new batsman to make their way to the crease. If a batsman takes longer than that specified time, they can be declared “timed out.”
According to the Laws of cricket (Law 35.2), a batsman is expected to be in position to take guard or for his partner to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the fall of the previous wicket. This time limit is generally meant to keep the game moving and prevent unnecessary delays.
If a batsman doesn’t arrive at the crease within the specified time, the fielding team can appeal to the umpire for a timed out dismissal. If the umpire upholds the appeal, the batsman is considered to be out without facing a ball. This is a rare form of dismissal, and it doesn’t occur very often in professional cricket.
It’s important to note that “timed out” is not the same as a “run-out,” which is a different method of dismissal in cricket where the batsman is dismissed by the fielding side while attempting a run.
What Exactly Happened To Angelo Mathews?
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka clashed in the 38th match of the ongoing Cricket World Cup in India. Bangladesh has already been eliminated from the competition, but Sri Lanka remains mathematically in contention for a spot in the semifinals.
Although the significance of the match might not be substantial in terms of the tournament outcome, a major controversy has captured the attention of the cricket world. Angelo Mathews’ timed out dismissal, a first in international cricket, has stirred up quite a buzz.
The incident occurred during the 25th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, right after Sadeera Samarawickrama was dismissed. Angelo Mathews came out to bat, but he realized that the strap of his helmet was not functioning properly.
As a result, a substitute fielder had to fetch a new helmet, causing a significant delay. In accordance with the World Cup 2023 playing conditions, a batter is expected to be ready to take strike within two minutes after a wicket falls.
Who Can Appeal For Timed Out Dismissal?
In cricket, any member of the fielding team, including the captain or wicketkeeper, can appeal for a timed out dismissal. If they believe that the batting side is taking too long to send a new batter to the crease after a wicket falls, they can bring this to the attention of the umpires and request a timed out decision.
The delay prompted Bangladesh’s captain, Shakib Al Hasan, to appeal to the umpires regarding the timed out dismissal. The umpires deliberated on the issue, and despite Mathews explaining the situation to Shakib and the umpires, he was ultimately required to leave the field, resulting in this unprecedented incident.
Notably, Mathews could have been saved from dismissal if Shakib had chosen to withdraw his appeal, but the veteran cricketer did not do so, leaving Mathews visibly upset as he walked off the field.
