England's WTC Setback: 2 Points Deducted, 10% Match Fee Fined in India Test at Lord's

Despite England winning the third Test against India at Lord's, they have faced a setback as the ICC has deducted their World Test Championship (WTC) points due to a slow over-rate. Consequently, they have dropped to third place in the standings, when they could have secured second place.

The ICC has officially announced that England lost two WTC points due to a slow over-rate, as per Article 16.11.3 of the ICC World Test Championship Playing Conditions. For each over bowled late, one point is deducted. England bowled two overs late, resulting in a deduction of two points. This has reduced their WTC tally from a potential 24 points to 22 points out of a possible 36 points (from winning two out of three matches). As a result, their Points Percentage (PCT) has dropped from a potential 66.67% to 61.1%.

This has caused England to slip from second to third place in the WTC standings. Sri Lanka has now overtaken them to claim second place. Australia leads with a 100% PCT, having won all three matches, while Sri Lanka holds a 66.67% PCT. England, despite having the potential for the same PCT, now stands at 61.1% due to the deduction. India is in fourth place with a 33.33% PCT.

Additionally, England has been fined 10% of their match fee, as per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. For each over bowled late, a 5% match fee fine is imposed, so the two overs late resulted in a 10% fine for each player.

England captain Ben Stokes has accepted the penalty, so no formal hearing is required. Match referee Richardson imposed the fine, which England has acknowledged. While England won the match, the loss of two WTC points and the 10% match fee fine is a blow in the WTC cycle.