World Cup 2023: Angelo Mathews was informed about the threat by umpires before being timed out, says report

Angelo Mathews, who on Monday became the first international cricket to be timed out, was aware of the danger before being dismissed in the unusual fashion by Bangladesh, a report has claimed. Mathews, who came to the crease as a replacement for Sadeera Samarawickrama, was informed by umpire Richard Illingworth that he had 30 seconds left to take the strike, a report in ESPNCricinfo said.

World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table

Mathews, however, wasn’t able to take the strike within the stipulated two minutes as the strap of his helmet broke leading to him becoming the first international batter to be timed out.

The ICC’s playing conditions for the World Cup require a batter to be ready to face a bowler within two minutes of the fall of the previous wicket.

Read: Mathews gives video evidence against his dismissal

Mathews entered to bat a minute and 10 seconds after Samarawickrama’s dismissal and had a word with non-striker Charith Asalanka after reaching the pitch, during which he was informed by Illingworth that he had 30 seconds left. Mathews was ready to take strike with 5 seconds left when the strap broke and he started asking for a new helmet.

Mathews didn’t inform on-field umpires Marais Erasmus or Illingworth about the need to replace his helmet as is the norm and by the time he got a new helmet it was close to two-and-a-half minutes. At this point, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan made an appeal after being made aware of the possibility by a teammate.

Read: Mathews slams Bangladesh after timed-out dismissal

Erasmus confirmed with Shakib if he wanted to stand with his appeal and then gave Mathews out.

Mathews in the post-match press conference said that he was at the crease within the stipulated two minutes and could not take the strike due to the helmet malfunction. Disagreeing with his dismissal, he also said that umpires needed to apply “common sense” while making the decision as playing without a helmet is a big risk.