WC 2023: Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews first batsman to get timed out

The 2023 World Cup has been full of surprises and upsets, with underdog teams like Afghanistan and the Netherlands causing major upsets against the top teams. This has resulted in the elimination of defending champions England and put question marks on the semifinal prospects of Pakistan and New Zealand.

In today’s match at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Sri Lanka faced off against Bangladesh. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field. However, a stunning incident occurred during the match, resulting in Sri Lankan batsman Angelo Mathews being dismissed in a unique fashion. Mathews became the first batsman in the history of international cricket to be dismissed in this manner.

The incident occurred when Mathews’ helmet strap broke as he walked to the crease. The Sri Lankan all-rounder requested a replacement helmet, and a new one was brought out. While he waited for the replacement, Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh filed an appeal, and Mathews was subsequently given out. Once Shakib decided to support the appeal, there was little the umpires could do.

Mathews had come to the crease after Sadeera Samarawickrama had been dismissed by Shakib, having scored 41 runs off 42 balls. However, Mathews had to depart without facing a single delivery. He called for another helmet due to the strap issue, which took some time, and the Bangladesh team appealed to the umpire.

Mathews was then seen engaged in a passionate discussion with umpires Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth, explaining that he had a problem with the helmet strap. Despite his protests, he was asked to leave the field.Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis, who was in the commentary box for the match, expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision and believed it went against the spirit of the game. However, it is within the rule book, and Bangladesh had every right to make an appeal, which the umpire ruled in their favor.

On the other hand, commentator and former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop pointed out that Angelo Mathews’ strap broke after he had already walked onto the field. He had requested a helmet change as he couldn’t secure the strap of his helmet.The dismissal was recorded as “Timed out,” as per MCC Rule 40.1, which states that the incoming batsman must be ready to receive the ball or the other batsman ready to face the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. Failure to meet this requirement results in the incoming batter being dismissed, timed out.Mathews’ dismissal is expected to generate controversy and spark debates on social media, among fans, and within the cricketing community.