Angelo Mathews‘ recent ‘timed-out’ dismissal during the 2023 World Cup brought back memories of a forgotten episode in cricket history, involving former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. In the 2007 Cape Town Test during India’s tour of South Africa, Ganguly narrowly avoided becoming the first player in cricket to be declared ‘timed-out’ due to a late arrival at the crease.
The 2007 Cape Town Test Drama
In the second innings of the 2007 Cape Town Test, India found themselves in a precarious position, losing both openers by the second ball of the second over. With Sachin Tendulkar set to bat at number 4, the Indian dressing room received a message from the fourth umpire that he couldn’t take the crease until 10:48 AM, due to his previous time off the field when South Africa batted.
VVS Laxman was next in line to bat, but he was caught in the shower, leaving the Indian team in a predicament. In a critical moment, it was left to Sourav Ganguly to change and rush to the crease. However, the Prince of Kolkata took six minutes to get ready, a potential breach of the ‘timed-out’ rule.
The ‘Timed-Out’ Rule and Graeme Smith’s Discretion
As per the laws of cricket, the fielding captain has the right to appeal for a ‘timed-out’ dismissal if the incoming batsman fails to reach the crease within the stipulated time. In this case, South Africa’s captain at the time, Graeme Smith, had a legitimate opportunity to appeal against Ganguly.
However, Smith chose not to take this route, even after being informed of the situation by umpire Daryl Harper. The captain of the opposing team has the discretion to request the umpire to overlook the ‘timed-out’ rule if they believe there are valid grounds for the batsman’s delay.
In Ganguly’s case, the unique circumstances and Smith’s sportsmanship led to the Indian captain narrowly avoiding what would have been a historic ‘timed-out’ dismissal.
While Angelo Mathews’ recent timed-out incident may have brought this forgotten chapter back into the spotlight, it serves as a reminder of the various intriguing episodes that have shaped the history of cricket.
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