LONDON : England’s hopes of reaching a first World Test Championship (WTC) final suffered a significant setback after they were penalised 12 points for a slow over-rate during their second test defeat by New Zealand at The Oval.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday that England had been found 12 overs short of the required target after allowances were taken into account during the match, which New Zealand won by 253 runs to level the three-test series at 1-1.
In addition to the points deduction, England players were fined 50% of their match fees.
“England interim captain Joe Root admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing,” the ICC said in a statement.
The penalty leaves England seventh in the World Test Championship standings and deals a blow to their bid to qualify for next year’s final at Lord’s.
England’s points percentage dropped from 34.72 to 26.38 following the sanction, widening the gap to the leading teams in the table. Australia and South Africa currently occupy the top two positions and are on course for a place in the championship decider.
The punishment adds to the disappointment of England’s heavy defeat at The Oval, where they were bowled out for 209 on the final day while chasing a target of 463.
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry starred with match figures of 11-109 as the visitors secured a dominant victory and set up a series decider.
England are expected to welcome back regular captain Ben Stokes for the third and final test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson missed the second test after being suspended for breaching a team curfew following England’s victory in the opening match at Lord’s.
With the series level and valuable World Test Championship points at stake, England now face a crucial contest in Nottingham as they seek to revive both their series campaign and their hopes of reaching the WTC final.
