Angelo Mathews, the former Sri Lanka captain and all-rounder, made an unwanted and unprecedented record in the ongoing World Cup 2023. He became the first batter in the history of international cricket to be dismissed ‘timed out’ by the umpires during the match against Bangladesh in Delhi on November 6, 2023.
What does this rare and controversial form of dismissal mean? How did it happen? And what are the reactions and implications of this incident? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
What is ‘timed out’ and how does it work?
‘Timed out’ is one of the ten ways a batter can be given out in cricket, according to the laws of the game. It is also the least common and the most unusual way of getting out. It occurs when the incoming batter fails to be ready to face the next ball within a certain time limit after the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter.
According to the World Cup 2023 playing conditions, the time limit for the incoming batter to be ready is 3 minutes. This means that the batter has to make the pitch and take guard within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement of the previous batter.
If the batter is not ready within this time, the fielding side can appeal to the umpires, who can then give the batter out ‘timed out’. However, the bowler does not get credit for this dismissal, unlike other forms of dismissal.
The purpose of this rule is to prevent unnecessary delays and ensure the smooth flow of the game. However, it is rarely enforced or invoked, as most batters are usually ready well within the time limit.
In fact, before Mathews’ dismissal, there had been no instance of a batter being ‘timed out’ in international cricket, which includes Test, One-Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. There had been only a few cases of ‘timed out’ in domestic and club cricket, mostly involving lower-level or inexperienced players.
How did Angelo Mathews get ‘timed out’?
Angelo Mathews got ‘timed out’ in a bizarre and unfortunate manner during the 25th over of Sri Lanka’s innings against Bangladesh in the World Cup match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Mathews came in to bat at number five after the dismissal of Sadeera Samarawickrama, who was caught behind off the bowling of Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh captain and all-rounder.
However, Mathews seemed to have some issues with his helmet, which required him to call for a replacement. He was seen fiddling with the strap and the grill of his helmet, while the umpires and the Bangladesh players waited patiently. In the process, the 3-minute time limit had already passed, unbeknownst to Mathews.
Shakib then decided to appeal to the umpires, who checked with the third umpire and confirmed that Mathews had exceeded the time limit. They then raised their fingers and gave Mathews out ‘timed out’.
Mathews was shocked and angry at the decision and remonstrated with the umpires for a while. He then left the pitch shaking his head in dismay and threw his helmet as soon as he crossed the boundary.
He had to depart without facing a single delivery and was replaced by Dasun Shanaka, who came in at number six.
What are the reactions and implications of Mathews’ dismissal?
Mathews’ dismissal sparked a lot of reactions and debates on social media, among fans and experts of the game. Some praised Shakib and the umpires for applying the rule correctly and strictly, while others criticized them for being harsh and unsporting.
Some sympathized with Mathews and blamed the Sri Lankan support staff for not providing him with a proper helmet, while others mocked him and questioned his professionalism and awareness.
Some also compared Mathews’ dismissal with the controversial ‘Mankad’ dismissal, where the bowler runs out the non-striker before delivering the ball.
Mathews’ dismissal also had some implications for the match and the tournament. It reduced Sri Lanka’s chances of winning the match, as they lost one of their most experienced and reliable batters without scoring.
It also affected their net run rate, which is a crucial factor in determining the qualification for the semi-finals. Bangladesh, on the other hand, gained an advantage and a morale boost from the dismissal, as they got rid of a potential threat and saved some runs.
Mathews’ dismissal also created history and set a precedent for the future. It became the first and only instance of a batter being ‘timed out’ in international cricket, and the first instance of any form of dismissal in the World Cup 2023.
It also highlighted the importance and relevance of the ‘timed out’ rule, and the need for the batters to be aware and ready within the time limit. It also raised some questions and suggestions about the rule, such as whether it should be modified or relaxed, or whether it should be applied more often or consistently.
Conclusion
Angelo Mathews’ ‘timed out’ dismissal was a rare and remarkable event in the history of international cricket and the World Cup 2023. It was a result of a combination of factors, such as helmet issues, time limit, appeal, and umpire’s decision. It generated a lot of reactions and debates and had some implications for the match and the tournament. It also brought attention and awareness to the ‘timed out’ rule, and its significance and implications for the game.
