India and England are both at the risk of being docked points for slow over rare in the ongoing IND vs ENG 3rd Test. Play was extended by an extra half-hour on all 3 days at Lord’s, but more than a session was lost. Captains Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes are set to cop massive fines for slow rate.
More than a session lost: India, England set for docked points
India and England are both within a shot to win the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s. However, any points earned for the win will see massive deductions due to slow over rate. On Day 1, India sent down just 83 overs despite using up the half-hour extension. On Day 2, that number dropped to 75. Day 3 saw 77 overs bowled, in yet another slow day of Test cricket.
The current WTC rule implies that teams are docked points for slow over rate. Australia were penalised 10 points after the Ashes 4th Test in 2023, while England lost 19 points throughout the series. England were docked a total of 22 points in the last WTC cycle and are at the risk of losing some again. The current rule penalizes sides one point each for every over they were found to be short. India were 7 short on Day 1, while England were also significantly short on both days they bowled.
Alongside points, players from both teams could cope significant fines. The ICC rules state players will be subjected to a fine equivalent to 5% of their match fee for every over that falls short, with a maximum penalty capped at 50%.
Why is the game taking so long?
There are mitigating factors of course. The London heat has been a major talking point, with the English summer being extremely dry. Furthermore, there have been injuries to contend with. Ben Stokes struggled with a groin issue on Day 1. Rishabh Pant was hit on fingers and needed treatment on multiple occasions. At the end of Day 3, Zak Crawley also had ‘treatment’ on his wrist in the final over drama.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes fines are not enough, however, given players are extremely wealthy.
“I don’t think fines work. These lads (cricketers) are quite rich. I don’t think the cash is going to affect them. (It’s) been a problem for Test match cricket for a while. I know it’s hot. I know we’ve had a few injuries. But when we get to the fifth day, we have to bowl the 90 overs. I’ve no idea why on day one, two, three and four we can see the game played at a snail’s pace,” he told BBC Sport.
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