Angelo Mathews, the first player to be “timed out” in cricket
Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews achieved a unique and unprecedented distinction
In a groundbreaking turn of events during the 2023 ICC World Cup, Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews achieved a unique and unprecedented distinction as he became the first player in the history of cricket to be "timed out." This historic incident unfolded during a thrilling match against Bangladesh.
An appeal for his dismissal
The extraordinary occurrence transpired during the 25th over of the game. Sri Lankan batter Sadeera Samarawickrama had just been dismissed, and Angelo Mathews was set to replace him at the crease. However, an unexpected delay ensued as Mathews encountered a minor issue with his helmet strap, impeding his prompt arrival at the crease. Unfortunately, by the time Mathews was prepared to take strike, the Bangladesh skipper, Shakib al-Hasan, had already lodged an appeal for his dismissal.
Unforgettable moment
According to the regulations of the ICC World Cup, if a new batsman takes more than two minutes to assume their position following the dismissal of the previous player, they can be "timed out." Consequently, Angelo Mathews was declared out without even having the opportunity to face a single delivery. He was compelled to leave the field, and this extraordinary turn of events etched Mathews into cricketing history as the first player to be "timed out," although credit for the dismissal does not belong to the bowler.
This unforgettable moment adds a unique chapter to the annals of cricketing history, as Angelo Mathews becomes an enduring part of an extraordinary and unforeseen incident in the world of international cricket.
“No regrets at all,” he said. “One of our fielders came to me and said, if you appeal, the law says he is out because he hasn’t taken his guard within the time frame. So then I appealed to the umpires; umpire told me whether you are going to call him back or not, if I said he is out, then you call him back, it doesn’t look good. I said I won’t call him back. We played the Under-19 together, World Cup. I know Angelo for a long, long time, since 2006. Yeah, unfortunate, but within the rules.”
It evokes a deep sense of empathy for Angelo Mathews
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how cricket, despite being a game of skill and strategy, is also a sport of the unexpected and the unpredictable. It evokes a deep sense of empathy for Angelo Mathews, who will forever be remembered as the first player to be "timed out" in cricket, a title that no player ever aspires to hold.
Heartbreaking moment of "timed out"
As cricket enthusiasts and fans, we share in the heartache and the unique history created that day. Angelo Mathews' name will forever be etched in the annals of cricket as a player who, for reasons beyond his control, had to endure a heartbreaking moment of "timed out." His journey in the game is marked by this bittersweet chapter, a story that reminds us all of the emotions, the triumphs, and the heartaches that make cricket not just a sport, but a beautiful and unpredictable journey.
