The ICC's playing conditions for World Cups stipulate that the new batter must be ready to face the bowler within two minutes of the fall of the previous wicket. Within those two minutes, the batter needs to be ready to face the ball and not just have taken guard. As per protocol the TV umpire starts the clock immediately at the fall of the previous wicket.
Mathews entered to bat on Monday evening a minute and 10 seconds after Samarawickrama's was caught. He walked to the crease and met the non-striker Charith Asalanka near the batting crease, exchanging a quick word and a glove bump, after being told he had 30 seconds left by Illingworth.