When Sourav Ganguly was almost timed out during IND vs SA third Test in 2007

The cricketing fraternity has been rocked by the first-ever controversial timed-out dismissal of Angelo Mathews during Match 38 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The Sri Lankan batter was adjudged 'timed out' after he failed to be ready to face the ball within the prescribed two-minute time period after walking in to bat as per the playing conditions of the tournament. 

The dismissal has sent shockwaves in the entire cricketing world as the ‘spirit of the game’ has also come into question following the bizarre incident. Notably, the dismissal reminded fans of a similar incident when former India captain Sourav Ganguly almost became the first-ever player in the history of international cricket to be timed out.

Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: Angelo Mathews shares video evidence, suggests his time-out dismissal was incorrect

The incident took place during the fourth day of the third Test between India and South Africa played at Newlands, Cape Town in January 2007. After India lost their second wicket of the second innings in just the third over in the form of Wasim Jaffer, Sachin Tendulkar had to walk in to bat at number four.

However, since he had spent some time off the pitch during India’s fielding in the first innings, the laws didn’t allow him to come in to bat forcing him to stay in the pavilion for a little longer. This led to a sudden change in the Indian batting order and VVS Laxman was due to come in next. However, even he was taking a shower which forced the team management to send in Sourav Ganguly to bat at number four.

Ganguly reached the crease in six minutes

The southpaw quickly got his pads up and walked out to bat but over six minutes had passed until Ganguly walked to the middle and took his guard. Upon his arrival at the crease, the on-field umpires Asad Rauf and Daryl Harper were informed about the reason behind the delay and the South Africa captain Graeme Smith was also understanding of the situation and didn’t appeal for 'time out' upholding the ‘spirit of the game’.

Also Read: ‘Never seen a team or a player stoop so low, disgraceful from Shakib and Bangladesh’ - Angelo Mathews on timed-out dismissal

Watch the incident here:

Ganguly went on to score 46 (89) as India got all out for 169. South Africa comfortably chased down the target of 211 in the fourth innings and won the series by 2-1.