Who said what about Mathews 'timed out'
Angelo Mathews
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Asalanka heroics power Sri Lanka to 49-run win over Australia
12 Feb 25
Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews was on Monday controversially given "timed out" in a World Cup clash against Bangladesh, becoming the first man to suffer the dismissal in the 146-year history of international cricket.
The former captain took more than two minutes to take strike and opposition skipper Shakib Al Hasan appealed, which was upheld by the on-field umpire.
Mathews came into bat after the fall of Sadeera Samarawickrama in the 25th over but was unable to secure his helmet strap tightly enough, an action which delayed the resumption of play.
Following the Bangladesh appeal, the umpires held a lengthy discussion with the players including Mathews.
They ruled Mathews to be out and the 36-year-old veteran reluctantly trudged off with most spectators appearing bemused by the decision. Some Bangladesh fans applauded.
Shortly after the incident many ex-cricketers took to social media to share their views, all of them collectively slamming Shakib for his call.
Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn writing on X, formerly Twitter, said: "Well, that wasn't cool".
Well, that wasn’t cool
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) November 6, 2023
Ex-india batsman Gautam Gambhir, on 'X', said: "Absolutely pathetic what happened Delhi today! #AngeloMathews."
Absolutely pathetic what happened in Delhi today! #AngeloMathews
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) November 6, 2023
Australian Test batsman Usman Khawaja also blasted the decision.
"Angelo made his crease then his helmet strap broke. How is that timed out? I'm all for timed out if he doesn't make his crease but this is ridic. No different then a batsman getting to the crease then taking 3 minutes to face up," he wrote on social media.
According to laws of cricket, after the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batsman, the incoming player must be ready to receive the ball within two minutes.
The Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians said there have been six instances of "timed out" in first-class cricket.
"There have been no instances recorded in List A or Twenty20 cricket until Mathews," they wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Ex-Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold on-air noted: “This is the first time I have ever witnessed something like this,” which exactly was the case. Mathews became the first batter to be dismissed as timed-out in the history of the sport.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan speedster Waqar Younis also had a similar reaction. He noted: "It’s against the spirit of the game, that’s what I feel about this. It's such a big moment in this game. Shakib Al Hasan must have appealed because the umpire couldn't have made a decision unless you have appealed.
“There shouldn't have been an appeal there. Because he was on the field and if there was something wrong with his helmet, he should be allowed to fix it. 2-3 extra minutes wouldn't have made any difference. That's not good scenes, I must say that.”
