International Cricket Match Erupts in Controversy as Sri Lankan Player Angelo Mathews Becomes First Player in 146 to Be Dismissed for ‘Timed Out’

Controversial Timed-Out Dismissal Erupts in World Cup Match

Angelo Mathews becomes the first player in 146 years to be dismissed for ‘timed out’ in international cricket

Disgraceful Dismissal

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews became the first player in 146 years of international cricket to be given ‘timed out’ during a World Cup match against Bangladesh in Delhi.

Mathews was about to take strike in the 25th over of his side’s innings when he stepped away to fiddle with the chinstrap of his helmet.

This persuaded Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan to appeal to the umpires on the grounds that Mathews had contravened Law 40.1.1, which says the striker has to be ‘ready to receive the ball’ within three minutes of the previous wicket – though that drops to two minutes in the World Cup playing regulations.

Mathews was given out by the on-field umpire Marais Erasmus, who twice asked Shakib if he wanted to withdraw the appeal. Shakib declined, insisting: ‘I’m serious.’

Furious Mathews Reacts

A furious Mathews stormed off, hurling his helmet and bat by the boundary, before describing the incident as ‘disgraceful’ and accused Bangladesh of ‘stooping down to that level’.

But, Shakib – who was named player of the match after taking two wickets and scoring 82 as Bangladesh won by three wickets – said: ‘One of our fielders came to me and said if you appeal now he will be out.

‘It’s in the laws. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. I feel like I was at war: I had to take a decision to make sure my team wins.’

Reactions

The dismissal sparked outrage from commentators and former players, with Waqar Younis, Dale Steyn, and Usman Khawaja all criticizing the decision.

However, reserve umpire Adrian Holdstock defended the decision, saying: ‘The batter wasn’t ready within those two minutes even before the strap became an issue.

‘You need to make sure all your equipment is in place. You have to be ready to receive the ball in two minutes, not just take your guard.’

Mathews insists on his innocence

Mathews, though, insisted Sri Lanka had video evidence he had arrived at the crease inside two minutes.

He added: ‘We are not talking about mankading or obstructing the field.

‘This is pure common sense and bringing the game into disrepute.

‘It’s absolutely disgraceful.

‘You need to respect the game, we are all ambassadors of this beautiful game.’

The dismissal is so rare that only six instances have taken place in all first-class cricket, including Andrew Jordaan, who couldn’t get to Eastern Province’s game against Transvaal because the roads were flooded, and Tripura’s Hemulal Yadav, who was busy chatting to his coach on the boundary during an Indian domestic match.

Mathews almost got instant revenge during an ill-tempered Bangladesh chase of 280, having Shakib dropped on seven at short cover.

When he eventually had him caught off the leading edge, Mathews tapped an imaginary wristwatch.

Bad Blood

The bad blood spilled over as the Sri Lankans refused to shake hands with their opponents, while their captain Kusal Mendis said he was ‘disappointed’ by the umpires’ lack of ‘common sense’.