Mathews releases ‘video evidence’ to refute umpire’s two-minute claim

DELHI (Wisdem) - Angelo Mathews has refuted the fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock’s claims that the batter, who was ‘Timed out’ against Bangladesh, was not ready to face his first delivery within two minutes of walking in before his helmet broke, saying the team has video evidence of him being ready in time.

He has since posted stills which he says proves that he had five seconds left on the timer before being given out.

Mathews became the first batter in international cricket to be ‘Timed out’ as he looked for a replacement for his broken helmet before facing his first ball in the 2023 World Cup clash. Walking in to bat after the wicket of Sadeera Samarawickrama in the 25th over, Mathews was ruled out as he was not ready to start batting within the stipulated two minutes.

Fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock later said that the time limit had elapsed even before the helmet came undone and that Mathews was not prepared to face the first ball till then. The all-rounder, however, denied the comments vehemently, saying he had proof that he was ready to bat with five seconds to spare before his strap broke.

“The rule clearly says, in my incident today, within two minutes I was there. We have video evidence. We will put out a statement later on. We have video evidence, footage, everything was looked. I’m not just coming and saying things here. I’m talking with proof.

“So, we have the video evidence where from the time the catch was taken, and then from the time I walked into the crease, I still had five seconds after breaking my helmet. So, we talk about safety of the players – you guys tell me if It’s right for me to take my guard without my helmet on? It’s just pure common sense.”

On being asked specifically about the fourth umpire’s comments, Mathews said Holdstock would have a different answer now if he was asked whether he was ready in time before two minutes were up. “If you ask the question from now, he would have a different answer. Because we have evidence, video evidence. As I said, I’m not just saying what I’m just saying. I have the video evidence and if anybody wants to contest it, I urge them to.”

Mathews, in a reply on X (formerly Twitter) to the ICC, posted timestamped video stills showing that one minute and 55 seconds had elapsed between the catch of Samarawickrama being taken and his helmet strap breaking.

The game ended in a tense win for Bangladesh, but the match remained embroiled in controversy as the Sri Lanka players refused to shake hands with their rivals, with Mathews saying the side would respect people who respected them.  

4th umpire is wrong here! Video evidence shows I still had 5 more seconds even after the helmet gave away! Can the 4th umpire rectify this please? I mean safety is paramount as I just couldn’t face the bowler without a helmet

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) November 6, 2023