Ben Stokes Concedes Guilt as ICC Slashes Two WTC Points from England, India Get Away
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized England for a slow over rate during the gripping third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India at Lord’s. Led by Ben Stokes, England faced a 10% match fee fine and lost two crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points. India escaped without sanctions. Despite the penalty, England clinched a dramatic 22-run victory on Day 5, though the match saw several overs unbowled over the five days.
ICC Elite Panel Match Referee Richie Richardson imposed the sanction after England fell two overs short of the required rate, even with time allowances factored in. Per ICC regulations, teams lose 5% of their match fee per unbowled over and one WTC point per over short. As a result, England’s players will forfeit 10% of their fees, and the team drops two WTC points.
Also read: Six Key Reasons Why India Lost at Lord’s
Stokes Accepts ICC Penalty Without Dispute
Captain Ben Stokes, whose all-round heroics earned him Player of the Match, accepted the sanction without challenge. “Stokes pleaded guilty and accepted the proposed penalty, negating the need for a formal hearing,” the ICC stated. The charge came from on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, supported by TV umpire Ahsan Raza and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd. Stokes bowled a marathon 24 overs in India’s second innings, claiming three key wickets, including KL Rahul’s on the tense final day, and chipped in with vital runs in a low-scoring clash.
The Test was a classic gritty, intense, and fiercely competitive. England set India a target of 193 on a wearing pitch, and though India fought hard, they were bowled out for 170, handing the hosts a thrilling win. However, the slow over rate marred an otherwise enthralling contest. With the WTC race heating up, those two lost points could haunt England in this tightly fought series.
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The fourth Test kicks off in Manchester on July 23, where both teams will battle not only for series bragging rights but also for every WTC point and every minute on the clock.