Angelo Mathews becomes first cricketer to be dismissed 'timed out'. What does it mean

In one of the most bizarre and unprecedented events in the history of world cricket,  Sri Lankan player Angelo Mathews was sent back to the pavilion during the ongoing Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka World Cup match under the "timed out" rule.

What

• Sri Lanka is currently facing Bangladesh in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, and the match is crucial for both teams in keeping their World Cup and Champions Trophy 2025 hopes alive.

• However, the match made rare headlines when veteran Sri Lankan Angelo Mathews was sent back to his dugout before he could even take his stance on the crease.

• Mathews was given out under the "timed out" rule after failing to take the crease due to an issue with the strap of his helmet.
• Upon the appeal by Bangladesh players led by Shakib Al Hasan against the delay, umpire Marais Erasmus instructed Mathews to return to the Sri Lanka dugout due to a violation of the timed-out rule.
• This makes Angelo Mathews the first-ever cricketer to be dismissed under the "timed out" rule in any form of international cricket.

What is the Timed Out rule?

• Following a wicket or batter's retirement, the incoming batter must prepare to receive the next ball within 3 minutes.
• The only exception to this rule comes when time has been called by the team involved.

• Failure to do so will result in the incoming batter being declared out due to being "timed out."

• Such an incident had never taken place in any international cricket match before Angelo Mathews's dismissal against Bangladesh today at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.