‘It was really difficult to watch that unfold’ – Bangladesh bowling coach Allan Donald on Mathews’ time-out dismissal

In the ICC World Cup 2023 match in Delhi, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan appealed for a timed-out dismissal against Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews. Bangladesh's fast-bowling coach, Allan Donald, expressed his disapproval, stating he disliked such tactics. Despite Mathews' dismay, the appeal was upheld. Shakib justified his actions by saying he aimed to ensure his team's victory, but Mathews branded it as "absolutely disgraceful."

This unusual episode unfolded during the 25th over, right after Sadeera Samarawickrama's dismissal and Angelo's entrance to the crease. Mathews, noticing a broken helmet strap, wisely requested a replacement instead of facing Shakib Al Hasan's delivery. What made this moment rare was Bangladesh's appeal for a 'time out' in response to Mathews' helmet issue. Coach Allan Donald remarked about the incident, saying:

"It was disappointing to see. I can understand Shakib taking his chance. His words were 'I was doing everything to win'. You can sense in my voice that I don't like I don't like that sort of thing. It was really difficult to watch that unfold - one of Sri Lanka's all-time greats walking off the field without a ball bowled to him being given out for time. That's where I stand on that," Donald said in an interview with CricBlog as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table

I feel sorry for Angela Mathews, I wouldn't appeal: Steve Harmison

Renowned former England fast bowler Steve Harmison also expressed his disappointment regarding the Sri Lanka all-rounder’s contentious timed-out dismissal during the World Cup 2023 clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in New Delhi. Notably, the 36-year-old etched an unfortunate mark in history, becoming the first international cricketer to suffer a 'timed out' dismissal.

"They were behind the time you look at and Mathew just walked out. He got to the crease. He didn't take guard, but he stood on his crease and I said he adjusted his helmet. And when he adjusted his helmet, I think that's when it broke. So it's a genuine ST. I don't think it's going to happen. I don't think I have anything to do with divers at that specific time. Um, to me, I feel sorry for Angela Matthews. I wouldn't appeal," Harmison said while speaking on ESPNcricinfo.