Ben Stokes Hits Back At ICC After England’s WTC Points Deduction

December 4, 2024: Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, has voiced his frustration with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after his team was penalized for a slow over-rate in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. The ICC docked both teams three points each for failing to meet the required over-rate, further intensifying the race to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

In response to the penalty, Stokes took to Instagram to share his thoughts, writing, “Good on you ICC” accompanied by three shrugging emojis. He added, “Finished the game with 10 hours of play still left,” expressing his disbelief at the decision. England won the match by 8 wickets, securing a vital victory but had to accept the penalty along with New Zealand, who also faced sanctions for the same reason.

According to the ICC, both teams were found to be three overs short of the required target after taking time allowances into account. As a result, both teams were penalized one point for each over they were found to be short, in addition to being fined 15% of their match fees. The sanctions have now had significant ramifications on the WTC standings.

For England, who are already out of contention for next year’s WTC final, the loss of three points doesn’t change their position much. They remain in sixth place, with a PCT (points percentage) of 42.50% after 20 Tests, with 10 wins, nine losses, and a draw.

However, the sanctions have dealt a more significant blow to New Zealand, the inaugural WTC champions. The penalty saw them drop from joint fourth to fifth place in the standings, with a PCT of 47.92%. Even if they win their remaining two Tests against England, their best possible points percentage would be 55.36%, leaving their chances of reaching the WTC final in the hands of other teams’ results.

Both teams accepted the charges and the penalties, meaning there was no need for a formal hearing. The penalties were imposed after consultations with on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth official Kim Cotton, while the sanctions were imposed by David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

The points deduction adds a layer of intrigue to the WTC race, with teams now needing to manage both their performances and over-rates carefully to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the final.