Angelo Mathews Makes Unwanted History as the First Player Timed Out in International Cricket

Angelo Mathews created an unwanted record by becoming the first player to be dismissed "timed out." This unique occurrence took place during a match against Bangladesh, where Mathews faced a rather unusual and controversial dismissal.

The incident unfolded when Mathews, who had just walked onto the pitch, encountered a sudden and unexpected equipment malfunction. The strap of his helmet broke as he was tightening it around his chin, right before he was set to face the delivery of Shakib Al Hasan. As he called for a replacement helmet, he found himself in a race against time.

According to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) playing conditions, a batter has a maximum of two minutes to get ready and face the next ball after the dismissal of the previous batsman. In this case, Sadeera Samarawickrama had been dismissed just moments before Mathews took to the crease. With the clock ticking, Mathews had to quickly change his helmet and be ready to face the bowling of Shakib.

However, what happened next left Mathews and cricket fans around the world in disbelief. After receiving the new helmet from Chamika Karunaratne, Mathews engaged in a discussion with Shakib, and the umpire Marais Erasmus eventually intervened. In a surprising turn of events, Erasmus informed Mathews that he had been timed out.

Mathews, who had not yet put on the new helmet and had Karunaratne standing near the pitch, was left in a state of shock. By this time, more than three minutes had passed since Samarawickrama's dismissal, and Mathews was declared out before he could even face a delivery.

Initially, Mathews appeared to be in disbelief, thinking that the umpire was joking. He then entered into a lengthy discussion with both Erasmus and the square leg umpire, Richard Illingworth. Despite his protests and visible frustration, the decision to rule him timed out was upheld.

At the moment Mathews was given out, the Bangladesh team had long since broken their huddle, and Shakib was ready to bowl. Mathews was forced to leave the field, visibly upset and annoyed by the manner of his dismissal. He even kicked his broken helmet in frustration as he exited the playing area.

This unusual incident has certainly raised eyebrows in the cricketing world, as it marked the first time in international cricket history that a player was dismissed in such a manner. Angelo Mathews, a seasoned campaigner in the sport, now holds a unique record, albeit one he would undoubtedly want to forget. Cricket fans and experts are left to ponder the complications of the game, as this unusual moment becomes part of the records of cricket history.