The ‘timed out’ dismissal of Angelo Mathews during the high-octane Sri Lanka-Bangladesh clash on Monday has led to much consternation in the Sri Lanka camp, even as Shakib Al Hasan stood by his decision to appeal.
The incident unfolded during the 25th over of the Sri Lankan innings when Mathews was declared ‘timed out’ – a first in international cricket.
The batter argued that his helmet strap had come off as he prepared to face his first ball, leading to the delay, but Bangladesh refused to withdraw the appeal and the umpires deemed that Mathews had taken longer than the allowed two minutes – as per the Cricket World Cup 2023 playing conditions – to be ready.
But in an on-field interview during the innings break, the fourth official, Adrian Holdstock, clarified that Mathews had indeed exceeded the time limit even before the helmet strap came off.
Shakib maintained that he was well within his rights to appeal after being informed of the possibility by a teammate during Angelo Mathews’ helmet mishap.
“One of our fielders came to me and said, if you appeal, the law says he's out because he hasn't taken his guard within the time frame,” Shakib explained in the post-match press conference.
“So, then I appealed to the umpires, who asked me If I was going to call him back or not. I said I won't call him back.”