Australia and England penalised for slow over-rates in Birmingham Test

Australia and England have incurred penalties for their slow over-rates during the first Test in Birmingham. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined both teams 40 percent of their match fee and deducted two ICC World Test Championship points. The sanctions were imposed by Andy Pycroft, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, after it was determined that the teams fell two overs short of their targets, even after factoring in time allowances.

Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, teams are subjected to a fine of 20 percent of their match fee for each over they fail to bowl within the designated time. Moreover, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, teams are penalized with the deduction of one point for every over they are short.

Both captains Pat Cummins and Ben Stokes pleaded guilty to the offense and accepted the proposed penalties, eliminating the need for formal hearings. The charges were leveled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Marais Erasmus, with the assistance of third umpire Chris Gaffaney and fourth umpire Mike Burns.