Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Sri Lankan captain made headlines during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 game against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Mathews was controversially ‘timed out’ by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, creating a major controversy in the ongoing World Cup. The Sri Lankan all-rounder became the first cricketer in international cricket to be ‘timed out’.
Mathews’ incident brought back memories to an incident which involved former India captain Sourav Ganguly during a test match against South Africa at the Newlands stadium in Cape Town during 2007 tour. Ganguly on that occasion came close to being the first cricketer in international cricket to be ‘timed out’. Dada was saved by Proteas captain Graeme Smith in what was regarded as one of the finest ‘Spirit of Cricket’ moment.
What exactly happened? India lost both the openers Wasim Jaffer and Virender Sehwag in the first two overs. The score was 6/2 in 2.2 overs with Rahul Dravid at the crease. Sachin Tendulkar, who was supposed to walk in at No 4 to bat was not allowed before 5 minutes as he was out of the field in South Africa’s innings. Jaffer was dismissed at 10:43 am and Tendulkar was told he cannot bat before 10:48 am.
VVS Laxman, who was supposed to be the next batter was in the shower and that meant Sourav Ganguly had to be ready in quick time to take guard at No. 4. By the time Ganguly walked in to the crease, already six minutes passed. The on-field umpires did ask Graeme Smith if he would like to avail the ‘timed out’ decision which was according to the laws of the game.
Surprising everyone Smith was gracious enough to not appeal for ‘timed out’. And thus Ganguly avoided becoming the first cricketer in international cricket to be ‘timed out’.