Following the conclusion of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, both Australia and England have been docked two points from their World Test Championship tally due to slow over rates. The International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed the penalties after it was determined that both teams fell two overs short of their targets, even after considering time allowances. Additionally, players from both sides were fined 40 percent of their match fees.
Andy Pycroft, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, handed down the sanctions. Australia captain Pat Cummins and England counterpart Ben Stokes accepted the penalties, eliminating the need for formal hearings. As a result, Australia’s World Test Championship points have been reduced by two, leaving Cummins’ team with a total of 10 points after the first Test of the new cycle. Similarly, England also lost two points, putting them behind all eight of their competitors in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle.
Australia’s recent victory over India in the WTC23 Final at The Oval propelled them to the crown. The ongoing Ashes series marks the beginning of a crucial phase comprising six series that will determine Australia’s qualification chances for the next WTC Final, scheduled to be held at Lord’s in London in June 2025.
It is worth noting that both Australia and India faced penalties for slow over rates during the WTC23 Final. In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, players are fined 20 percent of their match fee for each over their team fails to bowl within the allotted time. Furthermore, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, teams are penalized one point for each over that falls short of the required quota. Consequently, both teams’ World Test Championship points total has been reduced by two.
