Timed Out in Cricket — Rules, Angelo Mathews 2023 & How It Works
A timed out dismissal occurs when a new batsman takes too long to be ready to face the next delivery. Rare but real — learn the Law, the 2023 Angelo Mathews incident, and what captains can do.
**Timed out** is one of cricket's rarest dismissals. Under Law 40, an incoming batsman has a set time to be **ready to face the next delivery** after the previous wicket falls. If they are not ready in time and the fielding captain appeals, the batsman can be given out — without facing a single ball.
The Law: How Long Does a Batsman Have?
Under MCC Law 40, the incoming batsman must be **ready to receive the ball within 3 minutes** of the previous dismissal (in first-class cricket). In T20 and ODI cricket, the time limit may be shortened by the playing conditions of the specific tournament — typically **2 minutes** in ICC events.
The 2023 Angelo Mathews Incident
The most famous timed out dismissal in international cricket occurred on **October 6, 2023** during the ICC Cricket World Cup in Delhi: Sri Lanka's **Angelo Mathews** walked to the crease but his helmet strap broke while he was adjusting it. He exceeded the 2-minute time limit while trying to fix the equipment.
- Bangladesh captain **Shakib Al Hasan** appealed for timed out — only the second time the dismissal had been given in professional men's cricket.
- Umpires consulted the Third Umpire and upheld the appeal. Mathews was dismissed **without facing a ball**, becoming the first player in World Cup history and international cricket history to be given out timed out.
- Sri Lanka lodged a protest, arguing the delay was caused by faulty equipment — but the Laws make no allowance for equipment failure as an exemption.
- The incident was widely debated: legal under the Laws, but many argued it violated the spirit of cricket.
How Rare Is Timed Out?
Before Mathews in 2023, there was only one confirmed timed out dismissal in professional men's cricket (Andrew Agarkar, Ranji Trophy, 1997). The dismissal is so rare that most experienced international umpires have never officiated one. Captains occasionally use the Law as a tactical pressure tool in domestic cricket, but it remains extraordinarily uncommon.
Spirit of Cricket Debate
The MCC's Preamble to the Laws states: 'Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game.' The Mathews dismissal divided opinion — was Shakib Al Hasan within his rights to appeal? Yes, unambiguously. Was it within the spirit of the game? Far more contested.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fielding captain choose not to appeal for timed out?
Yes. Timed out is only given on appeal — the umpire will not give it out on their own initiative. The fielding captain has full discretion over whether to appeal.
What happens to the runs already scored if a batter is timed out?
The batting team retains all runs scored before the dismissal. Only the incoming batsman is dismissed — no runs are deducted.
Does timed out apply to the first batsman at the start of an innings?
No. Timed out only applies to incoming batsmen replacing a dismissed player. The first two batsmen open the innings without a time restriction (though play must start at the scheduled time).