R Ashwin has weighed in the Angelo Mathews ‘Timed Out’ controversy, comparing it to an incident he was involved in during the Nagpur Test match earlier this year where he says he narrowly avoided a similar dismissal.
Matthews this week became the first batsman in international cricket history to be given a time-out. When he reached the goal line, his helmet strap snapped, meaning he was not ready to face the first ball within the two-minute time limit. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed against his dismissal and Matthews had to return to the dressing room.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “Matthews was really upset when he came out, which was understandable. I mean, no one should come out like that, right? Anyone would feel bad if that happened. Not many teams have the mindset to do so, so it seems like one side is right and the other wrong on this issue.
“Both Shakib and Angelo are right here. One person knew what the rule was, the other person said even though it was in the rule, he just asked if he could let it go since it was due to helmet malfunctioning. See, the affected party will definitely feel bad in this matter. But the one who won will be character assassinated and they have to prove who they are because of this. But both of them are right here. One person feels bad and the other plays by the rules. ”
An incident during the penultimate World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was controversial, with Sri Lankan players refusing to shake hands with the Bangladesh team at the end of the match. Shakib’s decision to appeal was also criticized by a number of prominent online commentators, including Bangladesh bowling coach Alan Donald.
Ashwin further likened the incident to a near-miss in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Nagpur earlier this year.
“I don’t know if you remember the Nagpur Test against Australia,” Ashwin said. “I participated as a night watchman in the first Test. Since it was the last Test and there were stumps, I wanted to go slowly. But then the umpire said to me, “I was a little late in getting to the goal area. You know what? Do you have? If they had appealed, I would have kicked you out. I was really shocked. ”
He also referred to an incident during India’s 2021 tour of Australia during the Sydney Test match where players were unable to ensure that safety equipment was working properly to meet exceeded timing requirements. emphasized that safety concerns may arise.
“In the Sydney Test, I played the mandatory last 15 overs,” Ashwin said. “An hour or 15 overs, whichever is later…until then the opposition can bowl in the last hour. Nathan Lyon bowled from one end. Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood streamed in from the other end. I received a chest pad. You know that you are not allowed to get water in the final mandatory hour of play. Because when a substitute enters the field, extra time will be eaten. So, even the glove is not allowed. But I got my chest pad.
“I told the referee that I should give the chest pad back, but he said he couldn’t give it back.” Of course, the chest pad was needed for personal protection. When I played the spinner, my chest pads lined up and I couldn’t play with my soft hands…it was a little scary. ”
Ashwin is currently part of India’s World Cup squad but has not played a match since India’s first match of the tournament against Australia. India will play the final match of the group stage against the Netherlands on Sunday, November 12th.
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