England have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee and docked two ICC World Test Championship points for a slow over rate during the third Test against India at Lord's. The hosts secured a thrilling 22-run victory to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, but the win came at a cost.
The International Cricket Council confirmed that England were two overs short of the required rate after allowances were taken into account. Captain Ben Stokes accepted the sanction without a formal hearing, pleading guilty to the offence.
The penalty has dropped England from second to third in the World Test Championship standings, behind Australia and Sri Lanka. They become the first team to lose points under the new cycle.
England were the worst offenders for slow over rates in the previous WTC cycle, losing a total of 22 points. Managing director of men's cricket Rob Key had previously lobbied the ICC for less severe penalties, but to no avail.
