Angelo Mathews has etched his name into the annals of international cricket history in a unique and unprecedented manner. During a thrilling match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium in the World Cup, Mathews became the first player in international cricket to be dismissed by a "timed out" decision.
The extraordinary incident unfolded in the 25th over of Sri Lanka's innings when Mathews stepped onto the field as the new batsman. However, as he approached the crease, he discovered an issue with the strap of his helmet, possibly a tear. With the need for a swift replacement, he gestured to the dressing room for a new helmet. Typically, such equipment changes are facilitated by additional players, but on this occasion, there was an unexpected delay.
Seizing this opportune moment, Bangladesh made an appeal for a "timed out" dismissal against Angelo Mathews. This decision would prove to be a game-changer and a significant milestone in the sport.
The "timed out" rule, as outlined in Section 40.1.1 of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) laws, dictates that the incoming batsman must be prepared to face the next delivery within a prescribed time frame. In traditional cricket, this window is set at 3 minutes, but in ICC events like the World Cup, it is reduced to 2 minutes.
Regrettably, Mathews could not don the new helmet and prepare himself within the allotted 2-minute window. The umpires, abiding by the established cricket laws and regulations, had no choice but to uphold Bangladesh's appeal.
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This historic moment serves as a reminder of the intricacies and importance of adhering to the precise rules and regulations of the gentleman's game. Angelo Mathews will forever be remembered as the first player to be "timed out" in international cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's rich history.
