(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] A controversy erupted in the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi as Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews became to first batter to be timed out in the history of international cricket.
The incident happened in the 38th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s dismissal in the 25th over of the first innings.
Mathews was the next batter in but as he arrived on the field, the strap of his helmet broke. He called for the new helmet but this whole episode resulted in Mathews failing to receive the ball within two minutes of the previous batter’s dismissal.
As per the 40.1.1 law of the MCC, “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 the other batter must be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out.”
As Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan appealed for the time out, Mathews, who took more than two minutes to get ready to face the delivery, had to go back to the dressing room.
On-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth had no option but to go by the rule book and adjudged Mathews timed out. The Sri Lankan had animated chat with the umpires about this but eventually, he had to make peace with his dismissal.
Due to this, the Spirit of Cricket debate has again come to life with many considering Bangladesh went against the fair play.