During the World Cup 2023 game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, International cricket witnessed the first-ever dismissal by “Timed Out”.
As it happened
As Samarawickrama departed, the next man in was Angelo Mathews. Mathews walked into the crease as the No. 6 batter for Sri Lanka and ended up bringing the wrong helmet. He signalled the substitute to bring in the right helmet, and as things went on, the Umpires were not happy and were having a word with Mathews.
Out of nowhere, Bangladesh appealed for a dismissal by “Time Out”. Celebrations erupted amongst the Bangladeshi players as if they had picked up another wicket. Meanwhile, the substitute ran in with the correct helmet, but it seemed too late as more than 2 minutes had gone by.
Shakib and Mathews did exchange words, probably confirming whether they would withdraw the appeal, which Bangladesh did not. Behold, history was created as Mathews walked back into the dugout.
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Dismissal by “Timed Out” explained:
According to the MCC, after a wicket has fallen, the next batter must be ready to receive, or for the other batter on strike to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal.
The World Cup playing conditions also state, “After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out,”
The World Cup playing conditions have reduced the time to 2 minutes.
Was the dismissal within the Spirit of Cricket?
The dismissal of Angelo Mathews will once again question whether the Spirit of Cricket was not followed today.
With all the protocols around concussion in cricket these days, ICC and MCC may be forced to revisit the laws where leverage could be given in case the wrong helmet is bought in, or batsmen are made aware that they are being timed.
However, any delay in overs bowled would have also forced a penalty on the bowling team with slow over rates.
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