Timed-Out (Cricket)

Timed-out is a rare and unusual mode of dismissal in the game of cricket, occurring when a batsman fails to take strike within a prescribed time limit after the fall of a wicket. Although infrequent in professional matches, it represents one of the officially recognised methods of getting out under the Laws of Cricket, demonstrating the game’s emphasis on discipline, punctuality, and fair play.

Definition and Rule

According to Law 40 of the MCC Laws of Cricket (2022 Code), a batter is declared timed out if they are not ready to face the next delivery within three minutes of the previous batter’s dismissal. The rule exists to prevent unnecessary delays in play and to maintain the flow of the match.
The essential conditions for a timed-out dismissal are as follows:

• A wicket must have fallen, creating the opportunity for a new batter to come in.
• The incoming batter must be ready to take strike (or the non-striker’s end, if applicable) within three minutes.
• The fielding side must appeal to the umpire for the dismissal to be awarded.
• The umpire must be satisfied that the delay was unjustified and not caused by exceptional circumstances, such as injury or external interruption.

In limited-overs cricket, playing conditions may modify the time allowed — for example, some tournaments specify a two-minute interval instead of three.

Historical Background

The timed-out dismissal was first included in the 1940s revisions of the Laws of Cricket and has remained part of the official laws ever since. It was designed to curb deliberate time-wasting, a tactic occasionally employed by teams to influence match outcomes, particularly in longer formats.
Despite its existence for decades, the dismissal has been remarkably rare, with fewer than ten recorded instances in first-class and List A cricket worldwide as of the early 21st century. No player has ever been dismissed timed-out in Test cricket, though there have been a few close calls.

Procedure and Appeal

A timed-out decision follows the same appeal process as other dismissals:

1. The fielding side must formally appeal to the umpire after the allotted time has expired.
2. The umpire must determine whether the batter was ready to play within the permitted timeframe.
3. If satisfied that the delay was unwarranted, the umpire declares the batter out timed-out.

In practice, umpires often exercise discretion, allowing additional time if the incoming batter’s delay is caused by legitimate reasons — such as confusion over the batting order, equipment failure, or medical emergencies.

Notable Incidents

Although timed-out dismissals are rare, a few have entered cricketing folklore:

• Andrew Jordaan (South Africa, 1987): The first recorded timed-out dismissal in first-class cricket, when Jordaan failed to appear due to heavy rain and poor communication during a match for Eastern Province.
• Hemulal Yadav (India, 1997): Timed out in a Ranji Trophy match between Tripura and Orissa after being delayed in reaching the crease.
• Vasbert Drakes (West Indies, 2002): Declared timed-out while playing for Border in a South African domestic match, reportedly because he was still on the team bus when his wicket was due.
• A J Harris (England, 2003): Became the first player timed-out in English first-class cricket after an injury delay prevented him from reaching the crease in time.
• Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan, 2022): In a domestic T20 match, narrowly escaped being timed-out after confusion regarding his batting order.

These incidents highlight how unusual the dismissal is, often involving extraordinary circumstances rather than deliberate time-wasting.

Context and Interpretation

The spirit of the timed-out law is rooted in cricket’s long-standing commitment to fairness and rhythm of play. The rule discourages players from exploiting delays to alter match conditions, such as wasting time to draw a match, avoid fading light, or wait for weather changes.
However, because the dismissal depends on an appeal and umpire’s interpretation, it is rarely enforced strictly. Teams typically avoid appealing for a timed-out dismissal unless they believe the delay is intentional. The MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), the custodian of the Laws of Cricket, has emphasised that this law should be applied with “common sense and the spirit of the game” in mind.

Comparison with Other Modes of Dismissal

Timed-out is one of the ten recognised methods of dismissal in cricket. Unlike more common dismissals such as bowled, caught, or leg before wicket (LBW), it does not involve any action by the bowler or fielder. Instead, it arises from procedural non-compliance by the batter.
It differs from other rare dismissals such as:

• Obstructing the field, where a batter wilfully interferes with a fielder.
• Handled the ball, now merged with obstructing the field under the latest laws.
• Hit the ball twice, which requires intentional action by the batter.

In all these cases, the laws serve to preserve fair play and prevent unfair advantage.

Strategic and Psychological Aspects

While timed-out dismissals are seldom used strategically, the law can indirectly influence the pace and discipline of teams. Captains and umpires often remind batters to be ready promptly, particularly in tight matches or when over-rate penalties apply. In tournaments with strict broadcasting schedules, punctuality between overs and wickets is also closely monitored.
Psychologically, the threat of being timed out can add pressure during tense moments, especially when the next batter must face a fresh, aggressive bowling attack. Coaches and team managers therefore ensure clear communication and preparedness among players waiting to bat.