'Need to use common sense in using technology' - Angelo Mathews attacks on-field umpires in light of timed out row

Angelo Mathews went into the history books as he became the first batter to be 'timed out' in international cricket during Sri Lanka's ODI World Cup 2023 encounter versus Bangladesh on Monday, November 6 in Delhi.

Mathews walked out to bat in the 25th over of the first innings after Sadeera Samarawickrama's dismissal. The experienced all-rounder came near the pitch, only to find that the strap of his helmet was broken. He asked for a new helmet and at this moment, opposition captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed for a timed-out, and the on-field umpires obliged. Mathews had to walk back as he was dismissed without facing a ball.

During the post-match press conference, Mathews stated that the on-field umpires had admitted to Sri Lanka's coaching staff that they made a mistake by not checking how much time had elapsed between the previous dismissal, and Mathews' helmet strap breaking.

"The umpires [Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth] also admitted that it was an equipment malfunction and they could have gone upstairs and checked," Mathews said.

The 36-year-old asked the journalists whether it would have been right for him to play without a helmet. He said that wicketkeepers aren't allowed to keep to the spinners without helmets so it wouldn't be fair for him to take his guard without one.

"We talk about safety of the players, and you guys tell me if it's right for me to take my guard without my helmet on," Mathews said. "That's where the umpires could have done a bigger job at the time because they could have gone back and checked. A wicketkeeper for a spinner they don't let keep without his helmet. So how can I take my guard without my helmet? It's completely an equipment malfunction," Mathews said.

"What's the point not checking at that time and then checking it afterwards?" Mathews continued. "You need to have your common sense in terms of using technology. It was clearly malfunction - it [the strap] just came off. I didn't need to pull it and break it," the former Sri Lankan captain added.

According to the rules, the new batter must be ready to face the bowler within two minutes of the previous dismissal. There is nothing mentioned regarding equipment malfunction.

Fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock said at the mid-innings break that it was the batter's responsibility to check his protective gear before coming out to bat. When told about this, Mathews said that it was not possible for him to predict that the strap of the helmet would get broken before he faced his first ball.

"That's quite laughable. It is our responsibility, yes - if I went out to bat against a fast bowler, it's my responsibility obviously. But something coming off, do you really think I would know if it's going to come off? I don't understand the logic," Mathews said.