Timed Out Dismissal in Cricket
What is a timed out dismissal in cricket? The Law, how it can occur, and the famous instance of Angelo Mathews being timed out at the 2023 World Cup.
Timed out is one of the rarest modes of dismissal in cricket. Under Law 40, an incoming batsman must be ready to face the next ball within 3 minutes (in international cricket) of the previous dismissal. Failure to do so results in the batsman being given out timed out, even without any ball being bowled.
The Law
Law 40 of the Laws of Cricket states that a new batsman must be 'ready to receive the next ball' within the time limit. 'Ready' means being at the crease with bat and protective equipment in place. If an appeal is made and the umpire upholds it, the batsman is out.
The Angelo Mathews Incident (2023 World Cup)
At the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews became the first player in international cricket history to be given out timed out. He came to the crease but his helmet strap broke and he could not fix it in time. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed. Mathews was given out — a historic but deeply controversial dismissal that dominated global cricket headlines.
Is Timed Out Common?
Virtually never — the Mathews dismissal was the first in international history despite more than 100 years of international cricket. In club and domestic cricket it occasionally occurs due to timing disputes, equipment failure, or slow movement from the dressing room.
Frequently asked questions
Does the clock start from the dismissal or from when play resumes?
The clock starts from the moment of the previous dismissal — not from when play resumes. Equipment issues, as in the Mathews case, are not exceptions.
Who has been timed out before in first-class cricket?
There have been a small number of cases in domestic and first-class cricket over the years, but the Mathews dismissal in 2023 was the first in any international match.