Timed Out in Cricket: The Rarely Used Law 40

Timed out is the rarest dismissal in international cricket. Under Law 40, an incoming batter must be ready to face the first ball — or for the non-striker to be in position at the bowler's end — within three minutes of the previous wicket falling. If they fail to do so without a legitimate reason and the fielding side appeals, the batter is out timed out.

Historical Use

The rule was barely used in competitive cricket until 2023, when Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka became the first player timed out in an international match at the Cricket World Cup. His helmet strap broke and he was unable to secure a replacement in time; Afghanistan's captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed, and the on-field umpires gave Mathews out. The incident generated significant controversy.

The Three-Minute Window

The three-minute clock starts from the moment the wicket falls. If a batter needs equipment replaced due to a genuine malfunction — and cannot obtain a replacement in time — the spirit of cricket suggests the fielding side should withdraw the appeal. Law 40 is rarely enforced because teams tend to extend sporting courtesy in most circumstances.

Spirit of Cricket Considerations

The Preamble to the Laws of Cricket emphasises fair play and the spirit of the game. While timed out is a legitimate Law, the 2023 Mathews incident sparked debate about when it is appropriate to invoke it. Many former players felt that appealing for timed out due to a broken strap crossed a line — others argued the Law exists precisely to prevent delays and should be applied consistently.