Angelo Mathews became the first batter ever to be timed out in international cricket after he asked for a helmet change having walked to the pitch, and was not ready to face the ball within the two minutes the ICC playing conditions allow.
The strap of Mathews` helmet broke just as he was tightening it around his chin, during his final preparations before taking strike against Shakib Al Hasan. By this stage, almost two minutes had already passed since the previous batter Sadeera Samarawickrama had been dismissed.
Mathews soon called for a replacement helmet, which was run out to him by Chamika Karunaratne, but after a discussion with Shakib, umpire Marais Erasmus informed Mathews that he was out.
Mathews was yet to put on the new helmet, and Karunaratne was still standing near the pitch when Mathews was informed by Erasmus that he had been timed out. At this stage, at least three minutes and twenty seconds had elapsed since Samarawickrama`s dismissal.
Mathews initially seemed to think the umpire was joking, but quickly wore a worried expression, and began to engage in a long discussion with both Erasmus and square leg umpire Richard Illingworth.
Erasmus then approached Shakib and had a quick discussion, following which Mathews also spoke briefly to Shakib, but ultimately the decision to rule him timed out was upheld, prompting more animated and visibly upset gesturing at his broken helmet strap from Mathews.
At the time of Mathews` being given out, Bangladesh had long since broken their huddle, and had taken their places in the field, with Shakib at the top of his mark, ready to bowl.
ESPNcricinfo Ltd
The ICC Playing Conditions stipulate that the batter must be ready to receive the ball within two minutes, which Mathews clearly was not.
"40.1 Out Timed out 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 2 minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out."
Mathews was forced to leave the field, and was visibly annoyed by the mode of dismissal. He kicked the helmet in frustration as he passed out of the playing area.
His dismissal left Sri Lanka in significant trouble, at 135 for 5.