Earlier this week, the crowd in Delhi got to witness history in the Bangladesh versus Sri Lanka match. Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews became the first batter to be dismissed timed out in 146-year-old history of international cricket under controversial circumstances. While few supported Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, many sided with Mathews as his helmet strap was broken when he was taking the strike. After Mathews’ wicket, England’s bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes found a way to escape getting timed out.
Woakes walked into bat after Moeen Ali departed in the 36th over. Woakes had an issue with his helmet’s strap and immediately informed the on-field umpire, Ahsan Raza. Woakes had a smile on his face while he did it as it created a stir to the extent that Bangladesh and Sri Lankan players did not shake hands after the game.
According to MCC's rulebook, a batter should be ready to receive the ball within three minutes of the dismissal or retirement. However, the time limit is two minutes for the ongoing ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023.
The reactions to Woakes showing his helmet to the umpire have been making rounds on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Woakes played the perfect supporting role to Ben Stokes after the quick dismissals of Harry Brook, skipper Jos Buttler, and Ali. Stokes and Woakes shared a 129-run partnership for the seventh wicket from 80 balls. This is the second-highest seventh-wicket partnership in ODI World Cups.
Woakes scored 51 runs from 45 balls including five fours. He was dismissed by Bas de Leede in the penultimate over of the innings. His knock helped England post 339/9 on the board against Scott Edwards-led Netherlands at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune.
He also became the first England batter to hit a half-century at no.8 in World Cups. The previous best score belonged to Paul Nixon and Woakes. Nixon remained not out for 42 against New Zealand in the 2007 edition of the quadrennial event. Also, Woakes had scored an unbeaten 42 in England's loss to Bangladesh in Adelaide in the 2015 World Cup.
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