In the annals of cricket, many ways can dismiss a batsman, but ‘timed out’ is perhaps the rarest of them all. In a recent World Cup match, Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews made history by becoming the first international player to be dismissed ‘timed out.’

The Incident

As Mathews walked out to the pitch, the strap of his helmet broke. While he waited for a replacement, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, spotting an opportunity, appealed to the umpire. The appeal was upheld, and Mathews was given timed out, as he did not take strike within the stipulated two minutes.

The Rule

According to the laws, a batsman must face the incoming delivery within three minutes of the previous batsman. If the incoming batsman is not ready within this time, the opposing team may appeal for ‘time out’. However, this dismissal method is extremely rare, primarily because professional cricketers are usually prompt to the time limits.

The Controversy

The dismissal of Mathews in this unusual manner led to a flurry of discussions among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. However, the decision was not without controversy. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir and other commentators questioned the ‘pathetic’ call to give Angelo Mathews timed out. Fans also expressed their upset, that this was not a good example of sportsmanship and was against the spirit of the game.

The Aftermath

This incident will undoubtedly go down in history. It’s a reminder to all future cricketers of the importance of being ready to play at all times, even when facing unexpected equipment malfunctions.

Insiders View

In conclusion, Angelo Mathews’ ‘timed out’ dismissal, while unfortunate, stands as a unique reminder of the unpredictability of cricket. The controversy also sparks a debate about the spirit of the game and the importance of sportsmanship in cricket.