In a dramatic turn of events during the Cricket World Cup 2023 match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the first player to be timed out in an international cricket match. This incident has not only grabbed the attention of cricket enthusiasts but is also significant for examination purposes.
The unusual dismissal unfolded as Angelo Mathews leisurely made his way to the pitch after a wicket had fallen. What followed was a sequence of events that would result in a historic moment. Mathews encountered an issue with his helmet, which delayed his readiness to face the next ball. To exacerbate the situation, he called for a replacement helmet, further extending the delay.
Bangladesh’s Appeal:
The Bangladeshi team astutely recognized the delay and seized the opportunity to appeal for a timed out. The umpires, adhering to the rules and regulations of the game, acknowledged the appeal and took action in line with the Cricket World Cup 2023 playing conditions.
The Crucial Rule:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had set forth clear rules regarding timed out dismissals in the Cricket World Cup 2023. Specifically, section 40.1.1 of the playing conditions states: “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 for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out.”
Angelo Mathews’ Delay:
In Mathews’ case, he failed to meet the requirement of being ready within the stipulated two minutes due to the issues with his helmet and the subsequent request for a replacement. As a result, he became the first player in international cricket to be dismissed through a timed out rule.
Historical Significance:
Angelo Mathews’ timed out dismissal during the Cricket World Cup 2023 will undoubtedly be remembered as a unique and unprecedented moment in the history of international cricket. It serves as a testament to the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations of the game, which are designed to maintain the integrity and pace of cricket matches.