India and England docked two WTC points for slow over-rate in 1st Test

International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to dock two World Test Championship (WTC) points of India and England for slow over-rate offence in the first Test at Trent Bridge. The opening Test had ended in a draw after persistent rain spoiled the final day’s play. They had shared four points each after the draw but now are left with only two points after the slow over-rate offence.

Apart from the points deduction, both sides were also fined 40% each by match referee Chris Broad for the same reason. Rain didn’t arrive only on Day 1 and 4 and a lot of overs were lost on the other two days. Bad light also didn’t help at times and the slow over-rate from both teams led to many overs not being bowled.

Slow over-rate has been a long-standing issue in Test cricket and to resolve the same, the ICC has started to dock the points in the WTC cycle. Australia suffered due to the same and lost a place in the final of the inaugural WTC edition. India and England will have to be on their toes now for the remaining four Tests as losing more points might come back to haunt them later in the WTC cycle.

Lord’s Test to commence on August 12

Meanwhile, the second Test between England and India will commence on August 12 at Lord’s. The conditions are expected to favour pace bowlers again. But Joe Root and Virat Kohli will be aware of the over-rate getting affected as well. England have already included Moeen Ali in the line-up to balance the side and it will eventually help them in improving their over-rate.

India had Ravindra Jadeja in the first Test but he didn’t bowl much as conditions were conducive for pacers. With Shardul Thakur doubtful for the Lord’s Test, it is very much possible that they include off-spinner Ravi Ashwin in the playing XI. With Jadeja not bowling much, Ashwin’s inclusion will serve two purposes – over-rate issue will be solved and the offie can pick wickets as well.