Mathews Acknowledges Bangladesh’s Respectful Gesture

GALLE: As he stepped onto the field for his farewell Test innings at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday, retiring Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews was honored with a guard of honour by the Bangladesh team and the match officials.

This display of sportsmanship between the two rivals unfolded during the 52nd over of Sri Lanka’s initial innings. Mathews came in to bat at number four after Dinesh Chandimal’s dismissal.

Visibly touched by the regard, the 38-year-old Mathews responded by raising his hand in appreciation towards the opposing team.

After Mathews passed the Bangladesh players en route to the batting crease, they dispersed to take their designated fielding positions.

Bangladesh’s gesture carries weight, especially considering their intense rivalry, notably the ‘timed out’ incident involving Mathews during their encounter at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

Mathews was prepared to bat when his helmet strap broke. The former Sri Lanka captain requested a replacement helmet, but while waiting, Shakib appealed, leading the umpires to rule Mathews ‘timed out’.

According to regulations, a new batter must be ready to face a delivery within two minutes of a wicket falling; Mathews failed to meet this requirement.

In the aftermath, Angelo Mathews demanded “justice” from the ICC and accused Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan of being “a cheat” via social media.

He posted, “Video evidence indicates I still had an additional five seconds even after the helmet malfunctioned! Is it possible for the fourth umpire to address this? After all, safety is paramount, and I was unable to face the bowler without a helmet.

In another post, he stated, “This is blatant cheating, I seek justice.”