The International Cricket Council (ICC) imposes various punishments including fines and bans. Neither the cricketer nor the team is exempt from punishment. Captain Ben Stokes lashed out at cricket's governing body as England were again penalized for their slow over rate.
After the first Test of the series in Christchurch, England and New Zealand have been deducted three points each. At the same time, the cricketers have been fined 15 percent of the match fee. The ICC said in a notification yesterday that such a severe penalty has been imposed due to three overs less than the scheduled time. “Times and rules are the same for everyone,” Stokes said. No matter where you play in the world. I'm not the only one who has opined on this from a player's point of view. We want to talk more about this with the ICC.'
The captain has to spend busy time in fielding. In most cases, fielding changes are required. Even bowlers and fielders get injured. A lot of time is spent due to these reasons. Stokes said, 'There are many strategic decisions to be made. It could be a conversation with the bowler or a change of field. As a captain I like to change them a lot. Even the fielding in six balls of the over can be different. But it is not right to consider that. There is no quick solution to everything. Because we went to play a match there.'
According to Stokes, slow over rates are less of a problem as spinners bowl more than pacers on Asian pitches. The England captain said, 'The biggest disappointment I think depends on where you are in the world and what kind of cricket you are playing. Asia does not have to worry about over rates. Because too much spin is played.'
Stokes posted a photo on his Instagram story today titled England-New Zealand penalty news. There he spoke by punching the ICC, the governing body of cricket. The England captain wrote, 'Wow ICC. I finished the match 10 hours before the scheduled time.
With points deducted, New Zealand's success rate is now 47.92 percent. The Kiwis are now fifth in the Test Championship points table for the 2023-25 cycle. England is at number 6. Their success rate is 42.50 percent. England beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in the first Test in Christchurch to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series. New Zealand-England will meet in the second Test of the series starting on Friday in Wellington. The team will play the last two Tests in Hamilton. The third Test of the series will begin on December 14.
