The recently concluded five-match Ashes Test series between England and Australia ended in a 2-2 draw. Both the teams put in full force and their hard work paid off as fans got to witness a thrilling Ashes Test series between the two arch-rivals, though rain played spoilsport time and again. Now, in what comes as a huge setback for England and Australia, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday deducted points and fined both the teams for maintaining slow over-rate during the Ashes Test series. As per the ICC media release, England and Australia have been fined one World Test Championship point for every over short, along with match fees.
Under the revised ICC rules, England and Australia have been fined 5 per cent of their match fees and one WTC point for each short over bowled. Australia, who successfully retained the Ashes urn, were deducted 10 WTC points for slow over-rate in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, while England lost 19 points for maintaining slow over-rate in four out of five Tests. In the WTC cycle 2023-25, 12 points are awarded for every Test win and four for a draw.
The ICC said, "England fell two overs short in the first Test at Edgbaston, nine in the second Test at Lord's, three in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, and five in the last and final Test at The Oval."
Apart from being docked points, England and Australia were also fined for their errors.
"Australia were handed a 50 per cent fine of their match fee (five per cent for each over short with a maximum of 50 per cent) for 10 overs in Manchester (fourth Test)," the ICC said.
"England have been fined 10 per cent for the first Test, 45 per cent for the second, 15 per cent for the fourth, and 25 per cent for the fifth of their match fee for slow-over rate offences in the first two and the last two Tests respectively," the ICC added.