The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned England for maintaining a slow over-rate during the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India at Lord’s. Despite clinching a thrilling 22-run win on the final day, the hosts have been docked two points in the World Test Championship (WTC) and fined 10% of their match fees.
According to Article 16.11.2 of the WTC playing conditions, teams are penalised one point for each over they fall short. The ruling was confirmed by Richie Richardson of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
England skipper Ben Stokes accepted the penalty without any objection. “Stokes admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed, meaning no formal hearing was required,” the ICC said in an official release.
Match officials Paul Reiffel and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (TV umpire), and Graham Lloyd (fourth umpire) brought the charges against England.
After the deduction, England’s WTC points dropped from 24 to 22 out of a possible 36, causing their percentage to dip from 66.67% to 61.11%. As a result, they have fallen to third place in the standings, with Sri Lanka moving up to second.
With three gripping Tests already concluded, the caravan moves to Old Trafford in Manchester for the fourth Test starting 23 July. England currently lead the five-match series 2-1, after wins at Headingley and Lord’s. All eyes now turn to the iconic Old Trafford, a venue known for producing memorable contests.
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