NEW DELHI: Angelo Mathews became the first international cricketer to be dismissed 'timed out' Monday when Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan decided to appeal as the Sri Lanka all-rounder was busy replacing his helmet during their World Cup match here.
Mathews came in to bat at 135/4, and as Shakib started his run-up, pulled out as his helmet strap gave away. He signalled for a new helmet and walked to the 30-yard circle. Shakib went up to umpire Marais Erasmus and appealed. Mathews pleaded with Shakib and the umpires, who asked the latter if he wanted to reconsider. But Shakib patted Mathews and asked him to leave. Mathews flung his helmet in disgust after crossing the boundary line.
The law states a new batter must be ready to face the ball or be in a position so that his partner can face the ball within two minutes after the dismissal of the previous batter. Hours later, Mathews got sweet revenge, scalping Shakib and tapping his wrist to signal it was time for him to exit. However, Bangladesh won by 3 wickets.
It was disgraceful from Bangladesh, fumes Mathews, I was within the time limit
The Sri Lankan team management was seen trying to convince Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, a former Sri Lanka player himself, in the dugout.
The law of the game states that the new batter has to be ready to face the ball or be in a position that his partner can face the ball within two minutes after the dismissal of the previous batter. Since Mathews was supposed to face the ball, the decision to change the helmet cost him dear. The match doesn't have a bearing on the outcome of the tournament. But both the teams, in the bottom half of the table, were fighting to stay in contention for a berth in the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan in 2025.
Before his team came out to field, Angelo was seen going up to the umpires and happened was disgraceful from Bangladesh. "I had respect for Shakib before today. No other team would have stooped to this level," he said. He added that his team had procured video evidence that he had taken guard with five seconds remaining on the clock and it was lack of common sense from the umpires and Bangladesh.
"We will be putting out a statement. I was there with five seconds to spare. But there was an equipment malfunction. The umpires should also have checked. I explained to Shakib but he refused to withdraw the appeal. We talk about players' safety. Was it safe for me to play without a helmet. Even wicketkeepers don't keep to spinners without helmet," he said.
Mathews also laughed away fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock's contention that players were responsible for their equipment."How would I know that the strap would just come off when I took strike?" he asked.
Shakib was unapologetic about his decision. He called it unfortunate for Mathews. "It's just unfortunate. One of my players informed that he has taken more time than usual. If you talk about spirit of cricket, then ICC will have to answer that. We had to win and I don't regret it. Angelo has been my friend since our U-19 days, it's just unfortunate that it happened to him," was Shakib's response.
In 2007, Sourav Ganguly was nearly timed out in a Test against South Africa in Cape Town after he took more than six minutes to step out. Then South Africa skipper Graeme Smith decided not to appeal and Ganguly went in to bat. Sachin Tendulkar, who was slotted to come in at No. 4, couldn't bat yet because he had been off the field during South Africa's innings. VVS Laxman, meanwhile, was believed to be in the shower which meant Ganguly had to rush out at No. 4.
