England suffered a significant setback for maintaining a slow over-rate during the recently concluded third Test against India at Lord’s. The team, led by Ben Stokes, has been fined 10% of their match fee and docked two crucial points in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Slow over-rates have been a recurring issue in Test cricket globally.
In this instance, England were found to be two overs short after accounting for time allowances. According to the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, a fine of five percent of the match fee is imposed for every over not completed in the stipulated time.
Under ICC WTC rules, teams lose a point for each over short. England accepted the penalty, avoiding a hearing. The sanctions were enforced by the match officials. Despite the setback and Bashir’s injury limiting his bowling, England won the Lord’s Test by 22 runs.
Sanjay Manjrekar Frustrated By Persistent Slow Over-Rates In Lord’s Test
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar feels that the punishment for slow over-rates in Test cricket should be harsh enough to significantly impact the team. He pointed out that even though most Test match days are extended by half an hour, teams across the world still consistently fail to deliver the required 90 overs in a day.
Sharing his thoughts on the issue after Day 3 of the recent Lord’s Test, Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo:
“It’s something even I have gotten bored making a point about. Things have been tried but it has to be finally right where it hurts at the time. The one fielder coming inside the circle in white-ball cricket for slow over rate is a big issue for the fielding team.”
He further added:
“Likewise, it’s got to be something that hurts them during the course of a game. It’s ridiculous that even with the extra 30 minutes, they still can’t complete the 90 overs. So, it’s just become a habit that has been encouraged in a way.”
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