In the world of international cricket, records are made and broken, but one dismissal that rarely occurs is being timed out. Angelo Mathews, the renowned Sri Lankan batter, recently etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first player to be dismissed “timed out” in international cricket. It was a peculiar and unexpected turn of events that caught everyone by surprise. Let’s delve into this unusual incident and understand what transpired on the cricket field.

Angelo Mathews: The Unusual Dismissal

The incident unfolded during a high-stakes international cricket match featuring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Angelo Mathews was at the center of the action as he prepared to take his stance against the bowler, Shakib Al Hasan. However, just as he was about to face his first delivery, a rather peculiar mishap occurred: the strap of Mathew’s helmet broke while he was securing it around his chin.

The Helmet Strap Dilemma

As the helmet strap snapped, it triggered a sequence of events that ultimately led to Mathews’ historic dismissal. By this point, approximately one minute and fifty-five seconds had already elapsed since the previous batter, Sadeera Samarawickrama, had been dismissed. Realizing the issue, Mathews promptly called for a replacement helmet, which was delivered to him by Chamika Karunaratne.

Timed Out

However, this is where the plot thickens. Shakib Al Hasan initiated a discussion with the umpire, Marais Erasmus, after Mathews requested the new helmet. The discussion resulted in Mathews being informed that he was timed out. According to the ICC Playing Conditions, a batter must be ready to receive the ball within two minutes of the dismissal of the previous batter or retirement. Matthews, unfortunately, wasn’t ready in time.

The Umpires’ Decision

Upon being informed of his dismissal, Mathews appeared to be taken aback and initially thought it was a joke. Nevertheless, he began a lengthy conversation with both Erasmus and square-leg umpire Richard Illingworth. Despite Mathews’ protests, the decision to rule him timed out was upheld.

The Fallout

At the time of Mathews’ dismissal, Bangladesh was already on the field, ready to resume the game. Matthews’ untimely exit left Sri Lanka in a precarious situation, with the score reading 135 for 5. However, Charaith Asalanka’s brilliant century helped Sri Lanka recover and post a total of 279.

The ICC Playing Conditions

The incident raises questions about the interpretation of the ICC Playing Conditions. According to these rules, a batter must be prepared to receive the ball within two minutes, which Mathews clearly wasn’t. This unexpected mode of dismissal left Matthews visibly frustrated, as he kicked his helmet in anger and discarded his bat.

Conclusion

In the realm of cricket, unusual incidents can make headlines just as much as extraordinary performances. Angelo Mathews’ timed-out dismissal was an extraordinary occurrence that will be remembered in cricketing history. It serves as a reminder that even the most seasoned professionals can fall victim to the whims of fate and the strict regulations of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a “timed out” dismissal in cricket? A “timed out” dismissal in cricket occurs when a batter is not ready to receive the ball within two minutes of the dismissal of the previous batter or retirement, as per the ICC Playing Conditions.
2. Has Angelo Mathews faced any disciplinary action for his reaction to the dismissal? There is no information regarding any disciplinary action against Angelo Mathews for his reaction to the timed-out dismissal.
3. How did Sri Lanka perform in the match following Mathews’ dismissal? After Mathews’ dismissal, Sri Lanka faced a challenging situation, but they managed to recover and post a competitive total of 279.
4. Is a timed-out dismissal a common occurrence in cricket? No, timed-out dismissals are extremely rare in international cricket, making Mathews’ dismissal a unique and historic event.
5. What role do umpires play in declaring a batter “timed out” in cricket? Umpires are responsible for enforcing the ICC Playing Conditions and making the final decision on whether a batter is “timed out” if they are not ready to receive the ball within the stipulated two minutes.