'I Rest My Case' - Mathews Provides Final Evidence In 'Timed-Out' Row

image-loo0xifsAngelo Mathews was timed out in Delhi (Twitter)

Angelo Mathews provided final evidence to back his claims against being controversially declared 'timed-out' in the ICC World Cup 2023 league stage clash against Bangladesh on Monday (November 6) in Delhi. 

Mathews was given out despite pleading innocence after Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan appealed against the Sri Lankan allrounder's accused late arrival at the crease during the 25th over of the first innings at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground. 

Even as the experienced cricketer requested the umpires to reconsider their judgement and for Shakib to revoke his appeal, the much-publicised decision was upheld as Mathews became the first batter ever in international cricket to be 'timed out'.

Ever since then, Mathews has spent extensive time in a post-match press conference and on Twitter feed to justify his case against the match officials, including fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock, who had said the decision was made on the basis of the right-hander breaching the established two-minute limit. 

Mathews' Latest Evidence Against 'Timed-Out' Call 

However, in the latest rebuke of the on-field decision, which created great tension between the two teams and sparked a widespread debate among fans and experts, Mathews posted a clip from host broadcaster Star Sports' Hindi feed, where former cricketer and commentator Mohammad Kaif had traced the entire episode. 

Kaif provided a second-by-second progression of Mathews walking in the middle for his turn to bat before asking for an alternate helmet since the strap of the one he had worn came off the existing gear. Kaif said Mathews wasn't two-minute late as he had reached the crease with 10 seconds still left. 

It seems the mistake here was asking for the alternate gear rather than going ahead and facing the delivery despite the glitch in the helmet. Had Mathews gone about taking the next ball from Shakib without asking for the other helmet from the dressing room, Bangladesh wouldn't have had time to consider appealing for the 'time-out'. 

Either way, it was brave and controversial of Shakib to suddenly bring the rarely-introduced ICC law into play and get Mathews out with the world audiences watching. The Bangladesh skipper knew the flak he and his team may face for their appeal but went ahead with it at the expense of the opposition criticism that has followed, with Mathews calling his action a "disgrace".