In a highly anticipated match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, a rather unusual incident unfolded, leaving cricket fans and experts scratching their heads. Angelo Mathews, a right-handed batsman and an experienced campaigner for Sri Lanka, found himself in the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
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Angelo Mathews’ Helmet Mishap
As the game progressed, Angelo Mathews walked to the crease, ready to face the Bangladeshi bowlers. However, a peculiar incident occurred when Mathews realized he had brought the wrong helmet with him. Such an oversight is considered quite unprofessional for a seasoned player like Mathews.
A substitute fielder rushed in with the correct helmet, and Mathews decided to make the exchange. This is where the confusion began. The umpires were not pleased with the delay and started having a discussion with Mathews. It appeared that Bangladesh had appealed for a timeout, and their players huddled together as if they had just taken a wicket.
Mathews, in the midst of this chaos, was seen explaining the situation to Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of the Bangladesh team. Unless Bangladesh withdrew their appeal, Mathews was in danger of being declared out.
Erasmus and Illingworth, the umpires, continued discussing the matter with the batter, while Richard Illingworth, another official, observed the proceedings from the dugout. Mathews made multiple attempts to explain the situation, but Bangladesh and Shakib remained steadfast in not withdrawing their appeal.
Angelo Mathews’ Timed Out In ICC Cricket World Cup
Ultimately, the rules of the game prevailed, and Mathews was declared out. This was an extremely rare incident in international cricket, leaving commentators and fans alike astonished.
The unusual rule that came into play is that a batsman must be present at the crease within two minutes of a dismissal. In Mathews’ case, he walked out to the middle at a leisurely pace, which took some time in itself. Then, he encountered a problem with his helmet; a strap was broken, and he called for a replacement.
Shakib and the Bangladesh team seized the opportunity to appeal for a time-out, which the umpires had to grant as they are obligated to follow the rules. Mathews tried to plead his case to both the umpires and Shakib, but the former had to adhere to the rules, and the latter showed no intention of withdrawing their appeal.
This incident only added to the intense rivalry and competitiveness between the two teams. While unusual, it showcased the unwavering commitment of players and officials to uphold the rules and regulations of the game, even in the heat of a high-stakes World Cup match.
In the end, Angelo Mathews was timed out without even facing a ball, a situation that none of us had likely ever witnessed before. This incident will surely be a topic of discussion among cricket enthusiasts for years to come.
Also Read ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Updates