Last Update on: November 7th, 2023 at 02:33 pm
Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews was disappointed with his controversial dismissal during the recent match against Bangladesh in the ICC World Cup 2023. Angelo Mathews shared video evidence to prove that he was ready to face the ball within two minutes.
Angelo Mathews became the first batter to be dismissed timed out in international cricket. The batter came to the crease after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s dismissal. He reached the crease in time, but his helmet’s strap broke while he was adjusting it before facing the ball.
The 36-year-old asked for a replacement without consulting the on-field umpires. Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan then appealed for a timed-out dismissal, and the umpire upheld the appeal. Mathews’s dismissal sparked a debate within the cricketing community.
Watch – Angelo Mathews Shares Video Evidence
Reflecting on his controversial dismissal, Angelo Mathews took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to defend his case. The veteran batter shared a video that clearly shows the batter reaching the crease and being ready to face the delivery before the helmet strap came off.
I rest my case! Here you go you decide 😷😷 pic.twitter.com/AUT0FGffqV
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) November 7, 2023
Angelo Mathews Wasn’t Ready Even Before Helmet Issue – Fourth Umpire
In an interview with Ian Bishop, fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock claimed that Angelo Mathews had already used up his two-minute limit before the helmet strap issue occurred. He explained that the incoming batter must be ready within two minutes.
“ICC World Cup playing conditions supersede the MCC laws of cricket. When it comes to the timed out, at the fall of a wicket, or even retirement of a batter, the incoming batter has to be in position and ready to receive the ball within two minutes, or his other partner to receive the ball in two minutes,” Holdstock said.
“We have certain protocols where the TV umpire at the fall of the wicket, monitors the two minutes. And he will then relay the message to the on-field umpires. And in the instance this afternoon, the batter wasn’t ready to receive the ball within those two minutes, even before the strap became an issue for him,” he added.
Mathews’ dismissal put Sri Lanka in a difficult situation at 135/5. The Kusal Mendis-led team was bowled for a total of 279 runs after 49.3 overs. The Shakib Al Hasan-led side successfully chased down the target with seven wickets and 8.5 overs to spare in the innings.
Also read: Angelo Mathews Takes The Next Step, Challenges Fourth Umpire’s Decision With Video Evidence
