On November 6, Angelo Mathews was dismissed via ‘timed out’ in the current 2023 World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. After Sadeera Samarawickrama’s wicket fell, it took the Sri Lankan all-rounder more than three minutes to be ready for the opening ball of his innings.
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan requested a ‘timed out,’ and the umpires ruled Angelo Mathews out according to the Laws of Cricket. As he walked back to the dressing room without seeing a ball, the all-rounder was enraged.
The following is stated in Law 40.1.1:
“After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out.”
Although Angelo Mathews dismissal was legal, it prompted a discussion over the “Spirit of Cricket.” Here are three examples of when this sort of talk erupted during a World Cup match.
1. Angelo Mathews’ Unwanted World Cup Record in Delhi
As previously stated, Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka was ‘timed out’ during the 2023 World Cup match versus Bangladesh. Mathews required more than three minutes to get ready due to helmet problems.
While hitters have been late for a variety of reasons in the past, fielding sides have never requested a ‘timed out’ in international cricket. Mathews was the first batter in an international match to be ruled out in this manner.
South Africa did not file an appeal after Sourav Ganguly needed six minutes to prepare to face his first ball in a Test match in 2007. As a result, Bangladesh’s dismissal of Mathews has reignited the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ discussion.
2. England’s Controversial 2019 World Cup Final Victory
England won the 2019 World Cup in the most contentious way possible. England, captained by Eoin Morgan, restricted New Zealand to 241/8 in 50 overs. After 49.3 overs, England were 233/8 in pursuit of 242.
Ben Stokes blasted a Trent Boult full-toss towards mid-wicket on the fourth delivery of the penultimate over, attempting to sneak two runs. Martin Guptill’s throw struck Stokes’ bat and bounced to the boundary line as he dove to complete the second run.
England went against the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ by accepting four more runs. The match concluded in a draw, and when the Super Over also ended in a tie, England were world champions by boundary count, which means they won the trophy only because they hit more fours and sixes than New Zealand in that game.
After the World Cup, many cricket fans were displeased with England. The ICC even altered the tied Super Over regulation, such that the boundary count is no longer the deciding element in cricket.
3. Kusal Mendis Tricks Adil Rashid but Faces ‘Spirit of Cricket’ Criticism, 2023 World Cup
Prior to Angelo Mathews’ contentious dismissal, the Sri Lankan squad created another ‘Spirit of Cricket’ argument when their skipper Kusal Mendis chose a clever run-out to remove England’s Adil Rashid.
On the penultimate ball of the 32nd over, Maheesh Theekshana delivered a wide delivery to David Willey. The ball was caught short of Adil Rashid’s crease by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, who tossed it straight towards the non-striker’s end. This method of removal sparked a ‘Spirit of Cricket’ controversy among English cricket fans.