Bangladesh stays within law in Mathews ‘timed out’ dismissal

Bangladesh stayed within the cricket’s law in the
case of Sri Lanka veteran player Angelo Mathews who became the first batter
to be dismissed ‘timed out’ in the International cricket.

The dismissal had already sparked a huge debate and particularly Bangladesh
captain Shakib Al Hasan had to gauge the criticism on ground of ‘cricket
morality’ because he appealed for it.

But the ICC Playing conditions had given Shakib the rights, which he just
applied. According to the ICC Playing Conditions for the World Cup, the
incoming batter has to “be ready to receive the ball” within two minutes of a
dismissal or a batter retiring. According to MCC laws however, that duration
is three minutes.

Mathews was readying to take strike after the dismissal of Sadeera
Samarawickrama when his helmet strap broke during his side’s game against
Bangladesh at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi today.

While he needs to consult opposition captain to give him the time, Mathews
didn’t bother about it and gestured to the dugout for a new helmet. Shakib Al
Hasan in the meanwhile appealed to on field umpires, who gave verdict in his
favour.

Mathews tried to plead his case with Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth,
the on field umpires, but to no avail.

As the Bangladesh players celebrated, Mathews walked off in anger. He was
seen displaying the helmet to head coach Chris Silverwood before throwing it
in anger and stomping off towards the dressing room.

The two teams had long story of on the field loggerheads since the Nidahas
trophy in Sri Lanka in 2018, where Bangladesh broke out a ‘Naagin Dance’
after their victory against the Lankans. The Lankan players and media didn’t
take the ‘celebration’ and criticized Bangladesh. This ‘timed out’ incident
would definitely take the relation between the two teams in further low.

With both of the team out of the World Cup semifinal race, the match is still
important because of ensuring ICC Champions Trophy berth. (BSS)