At the time of his departure, Bangladesh had long since broken their group and taken their places on the field, with Shakib at the top of his game, ready to bowl.

The time of dismissal of the previous batter was 15:49 local time; the time it was handed over to Mathews was 3:54. This suggests that the referees had given him more than a minute’s grace before ruling him out. ICC playing conditions state that a new batsman must be ready to face his first ball within two minutes of his arrival.

“40.1 Time out 40.1.1 After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batsman, the incoming batsman must, unless time has been called, be ready to receive the ball or the other batsman is ready to receive the ball. “next ball within 2 minutes of dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batsman will be out, with time running out.”

Mathews animatedly argued his case to the referees, repeatedly pointing to the strap on his helmet, perhaps to suggest that it had only broken when he reached the crease and that a replacement was necessary. He was also seen chatting with Bangladesh captain Shakib.

The referees did not overturn their decision and Mathews was forced to leave the field and was visibly upset at the manner of dismissal.

His dismissal left Sri Lanka in deep trouble, at 135 for 5.