Australia penalized four ICC WTC points for maintaining slow over-rate
Australia have been fined 40 percent of their match fee and penalized four World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate in the recently-concluded Boxing Day Test against India. After winning the series opener, the hosts suffered a humiliating defeat in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Here is more on the same.
David Boon imposed the sanction
David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after the Tim Paine-led side was found out to be two overs short of the target, considering the time allowance.
Here is what the ICC regulations state
An ICC release stated, "In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC code of conduct which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20% of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time." "As per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised two points for each over short."
TIm Paine accepted the proposed sanction
Australian skipper Time Paine pleaded guilty to the offence, and accepted the proposed sanction. Hence, a formal hearing was not required. On-field umpires Bruce Oxenford and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Paul Wilson and fourth umpire Gerard Abood leveled the charge.
Four points of Australia deducted from ICC WTC
That apart, Australia have been docked off four points from the ICC World Test Championship. After the deduction, table-toppers Australia own 322 points. Notably, India follow them on the standings with 390 points, however, their points percentage (72.2) is lower than that of Australia (76.6). The two sides will now meet in the third Test, starting January 7.
