England and Australia have been fined 40% of their match fees and docked 2 points

Australia and England have been penalized two World Test Championship (WTC) points each. While the players of the two sides were also docked 40 percent of their match fees for maintaining slow over rates during the first Ashes Test.

Australia edged out hosts England with a thrilling two-wicket win in the opening Test at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

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Both teams were ruled to be two overs short of their targets

“Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanctions after both teams were ruled to be two overs short of their targets. After time allowances were taken into consideration,” an ICC release stated on Wednesday.

Pat Cummins and Ben Stokes accepted the sanctions

“Australia captain Pat Cummins and his English counterpart Ben Stokes accepted the sanctions, meaning there was no need for formal hearings,” it added.

Australia lose two WTC points

The sanctions see Australia lose two WTC points. Leaving Pat Cummins’ side with a total of 10 points after their first Test of the new cycle.

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England, on the other hand, is behind all eight of their rivals in the 2023-25 WTC cycle

Cummins’ Australia is the reigning WTC champions, having defeated India in the summit clash earlier this month and the current Ashes series is the first of six series that will determine their qualification chances for the next WTC final scheduled to be held at Lord’s in London in June 2025.

For minimum over-rate offenses, players are fined 20 percent of their match fees

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. These relate to minimum over-rate offenses, players are fined 20 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions. Both sides are penalized one point for each over short. Consequently, two WTC points will deduct from both teams’ points total. (PTI)