Timed Out: Cricket is a game of skill, strategy, and passion. But sometimes, it also offers moments of humor, grace, and friendship. One such moment occurred during the recent match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, where a broken helmet strap led to a heartwarming gesture from the Kiwi captain.
The backstory
The incident dates back to a game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Delhi, where Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews became the first player in international cricket history to be dismissed ‘timed out’. This rare mode of dismissal occurs when a batsman takes more than three minutes to get ready to face the next ball. In Mathews’ case, his helmet strap snapped just as he was about to face Bangladesh’s star spinner Shakib Al Hasan. He frantically called for a new helmet, but the time ran out before he could resume his innings. To make matters worse, Shakib Al Hasan, egged on by an unidentified Bangladeshi fielder, appealed to the umpires for a timed out decision, despite Mathews’ pleas. The umpires had no choice but to uphold the appeal and send Mathews back to the pavilion.
The gesture
Fast forward to the match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, where Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a blazing start with Kusal Perera scoring a quick 51 off just 28 balls. However, New Zealand’s pace duo, Trent Boult and Tim Southee, quickly dismantled the Sri Lankan top order, leaving them at a precarious 70/5. It was at this juncture that Mathews walked in to bat, hoping to salvage the innings. As he was making his way to the crease, he was greeted by New Zealand’s skipper, Kane Williamson, and his teammate, Trent Boult. The two Kiwi players playfully inquired about Mathews’ helmet strap, resulting in a good-natured smile from the Sri Lankan all-rounder. The gesture was captured by the cameras and soon went viral on social media, as fans praised the sportsmanship and camaraderie shown by the New Zealand players.
The spirit of cricket
The incident was a refreshing reminder of the spirit of cricket, which is often overshadowed by the intensity and pressure of the game. Cricket is not only a fierce contest, but also a sport that brings people together. It is a sport that celebrates not only the skills and achievements of the players, but also their character and values. It is a sport that fosters respect, fair play, and friendship among the participants. It is a sport that can make us laugh, cry, and cheer. It is a sport that can inspire us to be better human beings.
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