ODI World Cup 2023: Fourth Umpire Adrian Holdstock explains Angelo Mathews' timed-out dismissal

The Match 38 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka got embroiled in controversy as Angelo Mathews became the first batter in the history of international cricket to be adjudged ‘timed out’ on Monday, November 06. The incident took place in the 25^th over of the first innings after the Sri Lankan batter failed to get ready to face the ball within the prescribed two-minute time period as per the playing conditions of the tournament.

Notably, the strap of Mathews’ helmet had come off and the batter asked for the equipment to be changed before he faced his first delivery. However, in the process, the stipulated two minutes given to him to get ready had elapsed and he was adjudged timed out following an appeal from the Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan. 

After the first innings ended, fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock explained the entire turn of events which led to an unprecedented dismissal in the history of international cricket. Explaining the rules, Holdstock stated that the laws of World Cup 2023 supersede the MCC laws which give a time period of three minutes for the batter to get ready after a wicket has fallen.

Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: Angelo Mathews timed out in a first in international cricket

“First I would like to mention that the World Cup playing conditions supersede the MCC laws of cricket. When it comes out to ‘timed out’, the incoming batter must be in a position to receive the ball within two minutes. At the fall of a wicket, the TV umpire monitors the two minutes and relays the message through to the on-field umpires,” said Holdstock in a video released by the ICC (International Cricket Council).

The fourth umpire further revealed that Mathews had already exhausted his two-minute time period even before the strap of his helmet had come off. Following which Shakib appealed to on-field umpire Marais Erasmus.

“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. According to the playing conditions, the fielding captain appealed for timed out to Marais Erasmus who was the standing umpire just after the strap of the helmet came loose,” he added.

Further speaking ahead, Holdstock stated that the condition of Mathews’ helmet wasn’t considered while ruling him out as he had already exhausted the two-minute period to get ready before his helmet became an issue for him. He further advised batters to be out in the middle within 15 seconds and make sure that all their equipment was in place.

Also Read: When were these specific cricket dismissals recorded for the first time?

As a batsman, you need to make sure that all your equipment is in place: Holdstock

“As a batsman, you need to make sure that all your equipment is in place in order to make sure you get here because you actually have to be ready to receive the ball in two minutes which includes preparing and taking your guard. So technically you should be there within 15 seconds to make sure that everything is in place before you face your first ball,” Holdstock concluded.

Meanwhile, the cricketing fraternity is divided on the contentious decision with some criticising the Bangladesh captain for not considering Mathews’ helmet’s condition while others backed him.