A rare and unprecedented incident unfolded during the intense clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on November 6. Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews found himself at the receiving end of an exceedingly rare timed-out dismissal, sparking debates and disapprovals within the cricketing community.
Charith Asalanka, after his own impressive innings, expressed his dissatisfaction, claiming that such dismissals, while within the regulations, go against the spirit of cricket.
Asalanka, in his post-innings remarks, conveyed his concerns regarding Mathews’ dismissal, underlining its departure from the cherished principles of fair play in cricket.
“It is always a good feeling when you hit a hundred. I am feeling happy now. My point is that the dismissal of Mathews is not good for the spirit of cricket. But that is how it goes with the rules.”
Charith Asalanka
The incident marked an unusual turn of events for Mathews, who faced a unique and seldom-seen mode of dismissal in international cricket.
Angelo Mathews, positioned to bat at number 6, confronted an unexpected challenge with his helmet’s strap, resulting in a delay as he struggled to take his batting stance within the stipulated time. This delay prompted Bangladesh players to appeal to the umpires.
The on-field umpires, Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth, after careful consideration, decided to rule Mathews out, in adherence to the technical regulations stipulating a three-minute window for the incoming batter to take position after a wicket falls.
The rare timed-out dismissal implies a batter’s failure to be ready to face the bowler within the specified timeframe, leading to their removal from the crease without even facing a single delivery. This extraordinary turn of events generated varied opinions within the cricketing fraternity, reflecting the intricacies and nuances of the game’s regulations.
The unique nature of Mathews’ dismissal marked a significant moment in international cricket, drawing attention to the fine line between adherence to the rules and the spirit of the game that players like Charith Asalanka believe to be of paramount importance.