In a bizarre turn of events during the recent ICC World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Angelo Mathews became the first international cricketer to be dismissed “timed-out.” This rare and controversial mode of dismissal sparked a debate about the interpretation of the rules and the role of equipment malfunctions in such situations.
After the match, Ian Bishop had a conversation with Adrian Holdstock, the fourth umpire who gave Mathews out, about the procedures and regulations that led to the making of the controversial decision.
Talking about the getting ready under 2 minutes, Holdstock said, “We have certain protocols here within the PCT with TV umpire at a fall of a wicket. He basically monitors the two minutes and he will then relay the message to the on-field umpires.”
“And 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 ICC World Cup playing conditions, an incoming batter must be ready to receive the ball within two minutes of the previous dismissal or retirement. In this instance, Angelo Mathews exceeded the allotted time, leading to an timed-out appeal from Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan.
The crux of the matter lies in the timing of Mathews’ equipment malfunction. While Mathews argued that the broken helmet strap was the primary cause for his delay, match officials maintained that the two minutes had elapsed before the strap became an issue.
This raises the question of whether there should be an allowance for equipment malfunctions in such situations. Adrian Holdstock, the TV umpire involved in the decision, asserted that the onus is on the batsman to ensure their equipment is in order before entering the crease.
“No, I think as a batsman, I think you need to make sure that you have all your equipment in place in order to make sure you get you ready. Because you actually have to be ready to receive the ball in within two minutes, not ready to prepare or take your guard,” Holdstock said.
However, many argue that unforeseen equipment failures should not be a cause for dismissal. They believe that a degree of discretion should be exercised, especially in circumstances where the malfunction is beyond the batsman’s control.
The Angelo Mathews incident highlights the need for a clearer interpretation of the rules regarding timed-out dismissals and equipment malfunctions. While the current regulations emphasize the batsman’s responsibility to be ready within the stipulated time, there should be room for consideration in cases where unforeseen circumstances arise.
Ultimately, the goal is to maintain fairness and consistency in the application of the rules, ensuring that both the batting and fielding sides have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
