Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) after England were penalised for a slow over rate during the third Test against India at Lord’s. Despite England winning the match by 22 runs, they were docked two World Test Championship (WTC) points and fined 10% of their match fee. The penalty has pushed England down to third place in the WTC standings.
According to the ICC’s official statement: “In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.”
The statement further added: “In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, two World Test Championship points have been deducted from England’s points total.”
Let’s be honest both teams over rates at Lords were very very poor .. How only 1 team has been reprimanded is beyond me .. #ENGvsIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 16, 2025
“How Only 1 Team Has Been Reprimanded Is Beyond Me” – Vaughan
Reacting to the decision, Vaughan took to X (formerly Twitter) and questioned the fairness of the punishment.
“Let’s be honest both teams over rates at Lord’s were very very poor… How only 1 team has been reprimanded is beyond me,” he posted.
As a result of the deduction, England’s WTC points have dropped from 24 to 22, and their percentage has fallen from 66.67% to 61.11%. This change has allowed Sri Lanka to move up to second place in the table with a 66.67% points percentage. Australia remain on top with 100%, having won all their matches so far. India are currently in fourth with a 33.33% PCT.
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