Timed Out in Cricket

What Is Timed Out?

Under Law 40, an incoming batter must be ready to face the next ball within three minutes of the previous wicket falling. If they fail to do so — and the fielding side appeals — the umpire may give them out Timed Out. This is one of the rarest dismissals in cricket.

The Time Limit

• Test cricket: three minutes to be in position
• Limited-overs: three minutes, but the spirit of the law is often observed liberally
• The clock starts from the moment the previous wicket falls
• The incoming batter must be on the field and ready — not just at the boundary

Fielding Side Must Appeal

Timed Out is an appeal-based dismissal. The umpires will not act unless the fielding captain makes a formal appeal. In practice, this law is almost never invoked — opponents typically grant time for genuine equipment issues or confusion.

The Mathews Incident (2023)

During the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, Angelo Mathews arrived at the crease but his helmet strap broke. He was unable to replace the equipment within three minutes. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed, and the umpire gave Mathews out Timed Out — making it the first such dismissal in the 146-year history of international cricket.

Controversy and Spirit of Cricket

The dismissal sparked debate about the Spirit of Cricket. Many argued that an equipment malfunction was not the kind of delay the law was designed to penalise. Others held that the laws exist to be enforced. The ICC later reviewed the laws regarding equipment failures.

A wicket falls. The incoming batter is padded up but returns to the dressing room to replace their gloves. Three minutes elapse. The fielding captain appeals to the umpire. The umpire raises their finger — Timed Out.