Australian great Ian Healy has fired up at Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews for allowing himself to become the first player to be timed out in international cricket during the World Cup pool match against Bangladesh.
Mathews walked out to the middle with Sri Lanka delicately poised at 4/135 in the 25th over. He took the field in his allocated time but in the seconds before facing up, tugged on his helmet strap.
It was in that moment that Mathews' helmet broke, prompting him to call for another from the 12th man.
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed to umpire Marais Erasmus who concluded that Mathews was not ready to face the bowler after two minutes as the law states. He was subsequently given out without facing a ball which left Sri Lanka reeling at 5/135.
Bangladesh ultimately won the match by three wickets but the result was overshadowed by the spirit of cricket argument once again. Healy criticised Mathews for being ill-prepared before going out to bat.
“He had plenty of time,” Healy said on SENQ.
“Just face up (with the chin strap) hanging. What happens if you face up and the chin strap is hanging down?
Co-host Pat Welsh said: “It then becomes a health and safety issue.”
Healy replied: “The umpire will stop you and make sure you fix your helmet.
“Mathews also wasn’t frantic enough to show the umpires his helmet.
“The opponent also shouldn’t have to appeal. There should be a shot clock.
“Start the shot clock at the fall of the last wicket falling.”
Mathews was furious at the time of the dismissal and following the match. He labelled Bangladesh and Al Hasan “disgraceful” and said common sense should’ve prevailed.
Responding to those comments, Healy said players shouldn’t plead ignorance.
“There are laws and the players are very aware of them,” Healy continued.
“Make the umpire aware and show the helmet and that it takes time to thread back in.
“Things have really gone downhill."
Sri Lanka’s final match in the World Cup is against New Zealand on November 9 in Bangalore whilst Bangladesh travel to Pune to face Australia. Both countries are out of contention to play in the finals.