Angelo Mathews of sri lanka became the first player in the 146-year history of international cricket to be "timed out" on Monday, november 6, during the world cup match against bangladesh at the arun jaitley Stadium in Delhi. This incident is expected to reignite the debate surrounding the "spirit of the cricket."

Angelo Mathews came out to bat after bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan sent Sadeera Samarawickrama out in the 25th over. But before lowering his guard at the popping crease, Mathews gestured to the dugout for the replacement because he didn't feel comfortable in his helmet. Replays revealed that Mathews' helmet strap had come loose, and he requested a replacement.  

Shakib, however, took issue with the situation to umpires Marais Erasmus and richard Illingworth before the new helmet could be delivered. After much debate and in accordance with the wording of the law, the umpires decided that Shakib's protest qualified as an appeal and directed Matthews to return to the pavilion.

What does the Rule Say?

According to the Marylebone cricket Club (MCC) rule book, a timed-out dismissal is a legitimate mode of dismissal: "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."

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