Angelo Mathews’ timed-out dismissal in the ODI World Cup 2023 has sparked a debate about the spirit of the game and the role of captains in upholding it. The incident has also brought back memories of Sourav Ganguly’s narrow escape from a similar fate in a Test match against South Africa in 2007.

During the fourth day of the third Test between India and South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town in January 2007, India lost their second wicket in the form of Wasim Jaffer in the second innings in just the third over. Sachin Tendulkar had to walk in to bat at number four, but since he had spent some time off the pitch during India’s fielding in the first innings, he had to stay in the pavilion for a little longer.

This led to a sudden change in the Indian batting order and VVS Laxman would’ve had to walk into bat. However, he was even taking a shower, which forced the team management to send in Sourav Ganguly to bat at number four.

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Ganguly quickly got his pads up and walked out to bat, but over six minutes had elapsed until he reached the middle and took his guard. Upon his arrival at the crease, the on-field umpires Asad Rauf and Daryl Harper were informed about the reason behind the delay and the South African captain, Graeme Smith, was also understanding of the situation and didn’t appeal for timed out, upholding the spirit of the game.

On January 5, 2007, Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly nearly made history by being the first player to be declared ‘timed out’ in international cricket. He took six minutes to reach the batting crease. However, Graeme Smith, the opposing team’s captain, chose not to enforce this… pic.twitter.com/JMhhs5Yaa5

— Anjula Hettige (@AnjulaHettige) November 6, 2023

Sourav Ganguly went on to score 46 runs in 89 balls, but India were bowled out for 169. South Africa comfortably chased down the target of 211 in the fourth innings to win the series by 2-1. Mathews’ timed-out dismissal has raised questions about whether captains should be more willing to uphold the spirit of the game, even if it means sacrificing a potential advantage.

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Some people have argued that Smith’s decision not to appeal for Ganguly’s dismissal was a sign of good sportsmanship, while others have argued that it was naive and that he should have put his team’s interests first. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what they think about the incident. However, it is clear that the timed-out dismissal is a controversial one and that it has raised important questions about the spirit of the game.