There’s loads in widespread between Shakib Al Hasan and Angelo Mathews. Contemporaries, each aged 36, each all-rounders who know one another because the 2006 U-19 World Cup and their respective groups’ most skilled and talismanic cricketers. However the final 24 hours have put them in reverse ends of the cricketing spectrum, bringing out two fully contrasting avatars of their characters.
Happy along with his match-winning efficiency that ended Bangladesh’s six-game shedding streak, a measured Shakib – notorious for his on-field outbursts – was an image of calm and composure. Mathews, alternatively, was nothing wanting furious, pissed off and fiery, not mincing phrases following his controversial ‘timed out’ dismissal right here on Monday.
“I have not achieved something incorrect. I’ve two minutes to get to the crease and get myself prepared, which I did. After which it was an gear malfunction. And I do not know the place the widespread sense went, as a result of clearly it is disgraceful from Shakib and Bangladesh in the event that they wish to play cricket like that, stooping right down to that stage,” Mathews mentioned within the post-match press convention.
Mathews turned the primary worldwide cricketer to be timed out within the 146-year historical past of the game. The 36-year-old had reached the crease and was about to take guard when he realised that his helmet strap was damaged. He took it off and indicated in the direction of the pavilion that he wanted a brand new one. By now Bangladesh skipper Shakib had appealed for timed out following which the umpires upheld the dismissal to Mathews’ utter disbelief. The legislation states {that a} new batter have to be able to face a supply inside two minutes of a wicket falling.
“There’s one thing incorrect drastically as a result of if I acquired late to the crease and the legislation says it’s important to be prepared throughout the two minutes, after my helmet broke off, I nonetheless had 5 extra seconds to go. And the umpires even have mentioned to our coaches that they did not see my helmet breaking. It was simply pure widespread sense. I am not speaking about Mankading or obstructing the sphere. That is simply pure widespread sense and bringing the sport into disrepute. It’s completely disgraceful,” added Mathews.
His anger spilled over to Tuesday once we went on a tirade on social media, placing out video ‘proof’ that he had reached the crease earlier than the 2 minutes had elapsed. Mathews was responding to fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock who had mentioned that the Sri Lankan wasn’t able to obtain the ball inside these two minutes, even earlier than the strap turned a problem.
“We’ve video proof. If anyone needs to contest it, I urge them to. I am not simply coming and saying issues right here. I am speaking with proof. (The) fourth umpire is incorrect right here. Video proof exhibits I nonetheless had 5 extra seconds even after the helmet gave away. Can the fourth umpire rectify this please? Security is paramount as I simply couldn’t face the bowler with out a helmet,” mentioned Mathews.
He later put out pictures and movies, including: “Proof! From the time catch was taken and the time helmet strap coming off. I relaxation my case! Right here you go you determine.”
After the umpire had knowledgeable Mathews of the dismissal, the Sri Lankan had a dialogue with Shakib if he was going to withdraw his enchantment to which the latter denied.
“As much as at this time, I had utmost respect to him (Shakib) and Bangladesh staff. I do not suppose another staff would try this as a result of it was black and white. It was gear, the helmet coming off and it was a security concern as a result of we all know that with out a helmet, I can not face a bowler,” mentioned Mathews. “Shakib had the choice (of withdrawing the enchantment). He knew that this was not time-wasting. I used to be there inside my time. And he had the selection however he determined to go the opposite method.”
Holdstock had additionally mentioned that that it’s a batter’s duty that each one gear is in place in order that he/she is able to face the supply inside these two minutes to which Mathews responded: “It is fairly laughable. It is our duty, sure. If I went with out a helmet to a quick bowler, then it is my duty. However some gear coming off, do you actually suppose I’d know it is going to come off? I do not perceive the logic behind what he has mentioned.”
Many cricketers, each previous and current, like Dale Steyn, Gautam Gambhir, Usman Khawaja, Waqar Younis and Mohammad Kaif amongst many others got here out in help of Mathews with some questioning Shakib, believing the Bangladeshi had breached the ‘spirit of the sport’ along with his actions.
However the skipper defended his determination, additionally revealing that interesting for timed out wasn’t his brainchild however a teammate’s, refusing to call his colleague. Requested if he has any regrets or if went towards the spirit of the sport, Shakib mentioned: “Under no circumstances. Unlucky, however throughout the guidelines. (If it goes towards the spirit) then ICC ought to look into it and alter the principles. He got here and requested me if I (am going to) withdraw my enchantment or not. I mentioned I perceive your state of affairs however I do not wish to.”
The vibe of the match now not remained pleasant publish the dismissal with Mathews even making a gesture as he took Shakib’s wicket, indicating that it was time for him to go away. Many Sri Lankan gamers additionally left the sphere after the match, not performing the customary handshake.
“You have to respect individuals who respect us. They should respect the sport itself. All of us are ambassadors of this lovely recreation, together with the umpires. For those who do not respect and when you do not use your widespread sense, what extra are you able to ask for?” Mathews added.
Mathews’ wicket proved expensive as Bangladesh, already out of the race for the semis, gained the ill-tempered contest by three wickets to knock Sri Lanka out of the final 4 race too.