Angelo Mathews Time Out Controversy: In the ongoing ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 match between Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh, Sri Lankan player Angelo Mathews was given a ‘time out‘ due to his delayed walk-off, and he become the first cricketer who got out like this.
The incident happened when the Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan dismissed Sadira Samarawickrama in the 25th over and Angelo Mathews was the next batsman in line.
However, Mathews took a little more time to enter the field, not wearing his helmet. Shakib applied for a timed-out dismissal. After much discussion, the decision was announced in favor of the player, bringing Mathews back into the pavilion.
During the time-out of the innings, reserve umpire Adrian Holdstock told broadcaster Star Sports, ‘The fielding captain, Shakib Al Hasan, was the one who initiated the time out, and he requested it for a dismissal.'”
“At the time of Mathews’ dismissal, the Bangladesh team had already erupted into celebrations, leaving Shakib at the forefront, ready to declare, and convey the message to the scorer. Mathews initially appeared to be taking it lightly, but soon expressed his displeasure and engaged in a lengthy conversation with the on-field umpire.”
“Mathews didn’t change his helmet and stood near the pitch when news of his dismissal came through. Since being sacked, Mathews has taken more than three minutes.”
“First, Mathews appeared to be mocking the appeal, but he quickly expressed his discomfort and began a discussion with umpires Erasmus and square-leg umpire Richard Illingworth.”
“Subsequently, Erasmus headed to Shakib and had a brief chat with him, followed by a short conversation with Mathews. The Bangladesh captain o
ffered comfort to Mathews during their brief chat, but the decision to uphold the sanction was maintained, with Mathews gesturing animatedly from his broken helmet.”
“This incident was a first in international cricket for both men’s and women’s cricket, where a batsman was declared ‘time out’ in accordance with the law.
In 2007, Sourav Ganguly was almost timed out during a Test match against South Africa, as he had taken more than six minutes following the incidents to follow his turn. South African captain Graeme Smith chose not to appeal, and Ganguly took his place with the bat.
Sachin Tendulkar, who was supposed to come in at number four, never got to bat because he was outside the field during South Africa’s innings. Meanwhile, VVS Laxman was presumed to have gone to bathe, which implied that Ganguly, who wasn’t prepared for the event, was sent in at number four.
Although Mathews’ incident is the first in international cricket, there have been six such instances in first-class cricket.
What do the ICC rules say about “Time Out”
“After the fall of a wicket or a batter takes an ‘unintentional’ break, the incoming batter should be ready to receive the ball without calling for a specific time or be ready to face the next ball within 2 minutes after the previous batter has left or taken an ‘intentional’ break. Failing to meet this requirement will result in the incoming batter being timed out,” as quoted by Sportsstar, the terms of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
What do the MCC rules say about “Time Out”
“After the fall of a wicket or a batter takes an ‘unintentional’ break, the incoming batter should be ready to receive the ball without calling for a specific time, or be ready to face the next ball within 3 minutes after the previous batter has left or taken an ‘intentional’ break. Failing to meet this requirement will result in the incoming batter being timed out,” according to MCC rules.
However, in cases of extended delays where no batter is at the wicket as per rule 40.1.2, umpires shall apply the provisions of law 16.3 (award of the match) for the purpose of that law. The signal for the end of the 3-minute period mentioned above will be made to account for this purpose.”
Reactions Of Netizens
Australian cricket player Usman Khawaja took to X and wrote, “Angelo made his crease then his helmet strap broke. How is that timed out? I’m all for timed out if he doesn’t make his crease but this is ridic. No different then a batsman getting to the crease then taking 3 minutes to face up 🤦🏽♂️#cricketworldcup”
One netizen Rizwan Ali took to X and wrote, “Only Shakib Al Hasan can think about going for such type of appeal in a ‘gentleman’s game.’ #SLvBD #AngeloMathews”
While another netizen Pravin Choudhari called ;SHAMEFUL Act by Shakib!’. He wrote, “SHAMEFUL Act by Shakib! Angelo Mathews was tightening the HELMET and the strip broke, So SHAKIB appealed for TIMED OUT. UMPIRE Erasmus confirmed the appeal with Shakib and eventually Matthews got OUT. Shakib should understand this wasn’t intentional by Angelo! #BANvsSL #SLvsBAN”
Andy Zaltzman wrote, “What makes the Angelo Mathews timed out dismissal so absurd is that if he had faced one ball, then his chinstrap had broken, no-one would have batted even half an eyelid about him taking a minute or two to fix/replace it before the next ball. A ridiculous dismissal.”
