Historic “Timed Out” Dismissal for Angelo Mathews in Cricket World Cup
Unprecedented Dismissal
Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews created history by becoming the first player to be dismissed under the “timed out” rule in the annals of international cricket.
This unprecedented incident occurred during a Cricket World Cup match against Bangladesh.
The controversy surrounding Mathews’ dismissal took center stage during the game, overshadowing Charith Asalanka’s impressive century as Sri Lanka set a target of 279 in a must-win match to keep their slim hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.
Helmet Strap Delay Leads to Appeal
Mathews came to the crease after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s wicket fell in the 25th over.
However, he encountered an issue with his helmet strap, which led to a delay in resuming play.
As a result, Mathews took more than two minutes to take his stance at the wicket.
Bangladesh’s captain, Shakib Al Hasan, lodged an appeal for a “timed out” dismissal.
Umpire’s Decision Upheld
On-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth consulted with both teams before confirming the decision to uphold the appeal.
Mathews, a former Sri Lankan captain, reluctantly left the field, and the decision left many spectators perplexed.
While some Bangladesh fans applauded the decision, it garnered mixed reactions.
Controversy Surrounds the Spirit of Cricket
Charith Asalanka, who scored a century in the match, expressed his disappointment, stating, “Mathews’ dismissal was not good for the spirit of cricket.”
The controversial incident also drew criticism from former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn, who described it as “not cool.”
Understanding the “Timed Out” Rule
In cricket, according to the laws of the game, when a wicket falls or a batsman retires, the incoming player must be ready to receive the ball within two minutes.
Mathews’ delay in taking his position at the crease led to the appeal and subsequent dismissal under this rule.
Historic Moment in International Cricket
The Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians noted that there have been six instances of “timed out” dismissals in first-class cricket, but none had been recorded in List A or Twenty20 cricket until Mathews’ incident.
Angelo Mathews’ Illustrious Career
Angelo Mathews, with extensive international experience, was playing his 225th one-day international match during this game.
His illustrious career has seen him accumulate 5,900 runs and claim 122 wickets in ODIs.
He has also participated in 106 Test matches and 78 Twenty20 internationals.
Challenging Conditions in New Delhi
It’s worth noting that the match was played in New Delhi, despite the city being ranked as the most polluted major city on the planet due to smog.
The challenging environmental conditions further added to the significance of this historic “timed out” dismissal.
Angelo Mathews’ unique dismissal has stirred debate and highlighted the intricacies of the rules in international cricket.
Angelo Mathews’ Unprecedented Dismissal
Angelo Mathews’ “timed out” dismissal represents a historic moment in international cricket, raising questions about the application of this rarely used rule.
While it was within the laws of the game, it has sparked discussions about the spirit of cricket and the fine balance between adhering to the rules and maintaining the essence of fair play.
Mathews’ extensive cricketing experience and his contribution to Sri Lankan cricket over the years add significance to this unusual event.
Despite the controversy, the incident also highlights the need for players to be aware of and comply with the time limits specified in the rules.
The decision’s mixed reception from spectators and experts underlines the subjectivity involved in such situations.
It’s a reminder of how the unpredictability of sports can lead to unprecedented events, even in a well-established sport like cricket.
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