Ben Stokes Criticizes ICC Over Slow Over-Rate Penalties After Christchurch Test
England captain Ben Stokes was frustrated by the ICC’s penalty for slow over rates. This was after their 8-wicket win over New Zealand in Christchurch. Both England and New Zealand were docked three WTC points. They were fined 15% of their match fees for being three overs behind the required rate in the Test at Hagley Oval.
The sanctions puzzled Stokes. The game ended 10 hours early. Taking to Instagram, Stokes sarcastically commented:
“Good on you ICC. Finished the game with 10 hours of play still left.”
Stokes Questions WTC System
This isn’t the first time Ben Stokes has been confused by the World Test Championship format. Before the first Test, the all-rounder said he found the WTC “utterly confusing” and rarely thought about it.
England was fourth in the last WTC cycle. They are now sixth in the 2023–25 edition. After the first Test in Christchurch, their chances of making the WTC Final seem slimmer.
England’s Penalty History with Slow Over Rates
England’s struggles with slow over rates have cost them dearly in WTC points. During the 2023 Ashes series, they lost 19 points due to slow over-rate violations. The recent Christchurch sanctions cost England 22 points in the WTC.
The ICC ruled that both teams were three overs short. This was despite finishing the Test early, with time to spare. These penalties have frustrated England’s management. Many now question the system’s fairness.
Impact on WTC Points Table
The slow over-rate penalties changed the WTC points table for England and New Zealand.
New Zealand: The Black Caps, after a historic Test win over India, have dropped from fourth to fifth. Even with wins in their remaining games, their max points are now 55.36%.
The penalties have nearly ended England’s hopes of reaching the WTC Final again. Despite moving up to sixth place, their chances remain slim.
Key Highlights:
Slow Over-Rate Penalty: Both England and New Zealand lost three WTC points and were fined 15% of their match fees.
Ben Stokes’ Reaction: “Good on you ICC. Finished the game with 10 hours of play still left.”
WTC Points Impact: England drops to sixth, New Zealand slips to fifth
