England’s victory over India in the third Test at Lord’s on Monday came with a significant penalty. Despite winning the match by 22 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series, England were penalized for a slow over-rate during the game.
Slow Over-Rate Costing England Points
In a five-day Test, teams are required to bowl 90 overs per day, with a strict limit of 15 overs per hour. On day two of the Test, India ended their innings at 145-3 after 72.3 overs were bowled, resulting in a 15-over deficit due to slow play. Match referee Richie Richardson confirmed that, despite time allowances, England fell two overs short of the required total.
ICC Imposes Fine and Points Deduction
As a result of the slow over-rate, England were docked two World Test Championship (WTC) points, and captain Ben Stokes accepted the penalty without contest. In addition to the points deduction, the team was fined 10% of their match fees. This fine is in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC code of conduct, which enforces a five percent fine for every over a team fails to bowl within the allotted time.
England’s Drop in the WTC Standings
The docking of points has impacted England’s position in the WTC standings, causing them to drop from second place to third. Sri Lanka, benefiting from England’s penalty, have moved into second place in the current World Test Championship cycle (2025-27).
Previous Slow Over-Rate Offences
This isn’t the first instance of England being penalized for slow over-rates. In the 2023-25 WTC cycle, the team had already been docked 22 points for similar issues. Stokes has previously argued that his team faces a disadvantage due to their reliance on pace bowlers, who require longer run-ups and, in turn, take more time to deliver their overs.
Upcoming Fourth Test
The fourth Test of the series between England and India is scheduled to begin on 23 July at Lord’s. With this new penalty, England will be aiming to avoid further disciplinary issues as they look to secure the series win.
