Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews became the first batsman to be timed out in international cricket when Bangladesh appealed for his dismissal amid a delay, due to a problem with his helmet.
In Monday’s World Cup match between two teams already out of semi-final contention, Mathews came to the crease with Sri Lanka struggling on 135 for four. While he made it to the crease in good time, a delay followed because his helmet strap was faulty, meaning he was not ready to face his first ball.
Bangladesh – under the captaincy of Shakib Al Hasan – appealed for Mathews’ wicket, on the basis that he was not ready to face his first ball despite three minutes elapsing since the fall of the previous wicket. Mathews had called for a replacement helmet, which was delivered by the sub, while Bangladesh – who were behind the over rate – had long since taken their positions in the field.
After a consultation between the experienced umpires Richard Illingworth and Marais Erasmus, Mathews was given out. He left the field in fury, throwing down both bat and helmet.
Charith Asalanka, the non-striking batsman at the time of the incident whose hundred took Sri Lanka to a total of 279, bemoaned Bangladesh’s behaviour, saying “from my point of view it’s not good for the spirit of cricket”.
The laws of cricket state that the incoming batsman must be ready to receive a ball within three minutes of the previous wicket falling.
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