'Good on you ICC' - Ben Stokes reacts on England's slow over-rate sanctions during first Test

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has again imposed strict penalties on England and New Zealand for slow over-rates during their first Test in Christchurch. The sanctions, which include financial fines and World Test Championship (WTC) point deductions, have drawn frustration from England's captain Ben Stokes.

The match, which England won convincingly by eight wickets, saw both teams penalized under the ICC's over-rate regulations. According to the official ruling, both teams were three overs short of the required rate after time allowances were considered. The consequences included each team being fined 15 percent of their match fees and docked three crucial World Test Championship points.

According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are fined five percent of their match fee for every over they fail to bowl within the allotted time. Additionally, Article 16.11.2 of the WTC playing conditions mentions a one-point deduction for each over a team falls short.

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Ben Stokes-led team has been docked 22 WTC points 

Both team captains, Stokes and Tom Latham, accepted the charges, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. The sanctions were leveled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock, and fourth official Kim Cotton, and ultimately imposed by match referee David Boon. Meanwhile, Stokes reacted to the news by taking to his Instagram with the caption "Good on you ICC." 

The Three Lions has now been docked 22 WTC points in the 2023-25 cycle, adding to the 19 points they lost during the 2023 Ashes series for similar incidents. Furthermore, England has finished fourth in the first two editions of the WTC and currently sits sixth in the ongoing cycle, meaning they will miss out on hosting the final for the third consecutive time. For the Kiwis, the points deduction drops them from fourth to fifth in the WTC table, potentially jeopardizing their chances of reaching the final.