Delhi, Nov 6: In a very rare development on the cricket field, former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews on Monday, became the first player to be dismissed 'Timed Out' in an international match.
The rare incident during the 38th match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitley International Stadium, here did evoke mixed responses among fans and cricket lovers. Many termed it as against the spirit of the game.
As per ICC guidelines, after fall of a wicket, the next batsman must take strike within three minutes of allotted time.
But Mathews, who walked into bat at the fall of Sadeera Samarawickrama's wicket, with Sri Lanka struggling at 135/5 in 24.2 overs, could not take strike during the permitted time. Because he perhaps carried a wrong helmet, which had some problem with its strap.
But as the Sri Lankan extra fielder carried another helmet for Mathews, Bangladesh team resented the delay.
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who was bowling that over, appealed to the on-field umpires for a 'Timed Out dismissal' decision in their favour.
The umpires after consultation had to adjudge Mathews OUT, much to the shock of the batter, his teammates and the crowd as well. Mathews was so upset that he threw his helmet after leaving the field.
Former Lankan cricketer Russel Arnold, who was on air in a live show, was one of the first to term the development as a 'very rare dismissal in cricket history' and the 'first of its kind in international matches'.
Later, the ICC also confirmed Russel Arnold's claim and revealedthat the Sri Lankan cricketer was indeed the first player to be 'Timed Out' in an international match.
