Angelo Mathews: An Unprecedented Turn of Events
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 witnessed a truly unusual event, as Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews faced a rare “timed out” dismissal, making it a first in international cricket across all formats. In this blog, we delve into the incident, the playing conditions governing timed outs, and the explanations that followed.
The Entrance of Angelo Mathews
Mathews entered the field to bat at No.6 after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s wicket fell. However, his journey to the crease was far from ordinary.
A Broken Helmet Leads to Controversy
As Mathews took his time to walk in, he encountered a significant issue with his helmet. The strap broke while he was preparing to take guard. At this moment, the opposing team, Bangladesh, decided to appeal for a “timed out” dismissal.
The Umpires Uphold the Appeal
Much to Mathews’ dismay, the umpires ruled in favor of the appeal. Despite Mathews engaging in discussions with both Bangladesh and the umpires, the appeal was not withdrawn, ultimately resulting in his dismissal.
Understanding the “Timed Out” Rule
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 playing conditions regarding “timed out” dismissals are clearly defined. According to 40.1.1, the incoming batter must be ready to face the next ball within two minutes of the dismissal or retirement of a batter. Failure to meet this requirement leads to a “timed out” dismissal.
The Role of the Fourth Official
During the innings break, Adrian Hold stock, the fourth official, shed light on the dismissal and the associated laws.
Superseding MCC Laws
Holdstock explained that the ICC World Cup playing conditions take precedence over the MCC laws of cricket. The TV umpire monitors the two-minute rule, ensuring that the incoming batter is ready to receive the ball promptly.
Equipment Failure Consideration
Addressing the question of whether equipment failure could be considered, Holdstock emphasized the importance of having all equipment in place before stepping onto the field. The batter must be ready to receive the ball within two minutes, not just prepared to take guard.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Precision
Angelo Mathews’ timed out dismissal serves as a unique occurrence in international cricket, highlighting the importance of adhering to the game’s regulations and ensuring prompt readiness. The incident also underlines the meticulousness required in maintaining equipment. As cricket enthusiasts, it is essential to understand and appreciate the rules and protocols that govern the sport.
In the end, while Mathews’ dismissal may have left fans and experts surprised, it remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of cricket, reminding us that even the most seasoned players can find themselves on the wrong side of the rulebook.
