Angelo Mathews becomes first-ever batter to get ‘timed out’ in international cricket

Angelo Mathews is grabbing the headlines in the ODI Cricket World Cup for unwanted reasons.

The veteran all-rounder came out to bat for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh on Monday in Delhi and before he even hit a ball he was sent back to the pavilion after being 'Timed Out'.

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The rule states that batsman have to be ready at the crease, whether it's at the strikers or non-strikers end, within two minutes of the last wicket.

After Mathews made his way to the crease and lined up to face his first ball from bowler Shakib Al Hasan, he realised that the strap of his helmet was broken.

By this time two minutes had already passed since Mathew's teammate Sadeera Samarawickrama had lost his wicket.

Mathews called to the sideline for his helmet to be replaced and it was quickly brought to him.

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But, during this time, Al Hasan appealed to the umpire Marais Erasmus that Matthews should be given out.

And when Mathews' new helmet had arrived, he was told by the umpire that he was out and had to return to the pavilion.

At first, Mathews couldn't believe what he was hearing, but when he realised it was serious he attempted to convince both Al Hasan and Erasmus to change their minds, but he was unsuccessful.

Reluctantly, Mathews made his way off the pitch shaking his head and as he reached the boundary, he even threw his helmet.

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At the time, Sri Lanka were 135 for 5, but they recovered well to post a score of 279 for Bangladesh to chase.

Cricket fans were not pleased with this controversial decision to give Mathews out, as one X user commented: "Bangladesh not showing spirit of cricket... Mathews brought the wrong helmet. Poor from Bangladesh."

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Another added: "No sportsman ship shown by Bangladesh team."

And even former professional cricketers got involved with South African bowler Dale Steyn saying: "Well, that wasn’t cool."

While Indian cricketing great Gautam Gambhir said: "Absolutely pathetic what happened in Delhi today!"