Summary
An incoming batsman must be ready to face or for their partner to face within 2 minutes of the fall of the previous wicket. Failure results in being dismissed 'Timed Out'.
Full Explanation
Timed Out is one of cricket's rarest forms of dismissal. An incoming batsman has 2 minutes (reduced from 3 minutes in 2022) to be ready to take strike or be at the non-striker's end.
For decades, this dismissal was purely theoretical — no batsman in international cricket had ever been timed out. That changed dramatically in November 2023 during the ODI World Cup in India.
Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka became the first batsman in international cricket history to be timed out. His helmet strap broke as he was taking guard against Bangladesh, and he was unable to be ready within the 2-minute limit. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed, and the umpires had no choice but to give Mathews out.
The incident was hugely controversial. Many felt Shakib's appeal was against the spirit of cricket, while others argued he was within his rights. Mathews was visibly angry and gestured at his broken equipment.
Key Points
- •Incoming batsman has 2 minutes to be ready (reduced from 3 in 2022)
- •Angelo Mathews was the first international cricketer to be timed out (2023)
- •The appeal must come from the fielding side — it's not automatic
- •One of the rarest dismissals in cricket
Notable Controversies
- •Angelo Mathews timed out during 2023 World Cup — Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
- •Shakib Al Hasan's appeal was controversial but within the rules
- •Time reduced from 3 to 2 minutes in 2022, making it more likely to occur
Related Rules
Obstructing the Field
A batsman is out if they willfully obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. Since 2017, 'Handled the ball' was merged into this dismissal.
Hit Wicket
A batsman is out hit wicket if they knock the bails off their own stumps while playing a shot or setting off for a run.