England fined for slow over-rate in first Test against New Zealand

England has been fined 40 percent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s.

Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Joe Root’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Root pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Michael Gough and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Mike Burns leveled the charge.

First Test between England and New Zealand ends in a stalemate

The first Test match between England and New Zealand ended in a draw. Batting first, the Kiwis posted a total of 378 on the board, with debutant Devon Conway scoring a double century. For England, Rory Burns scored a marvelous 132, as England put up a total of 275 on the board.

The Black Caps declared their second innings with their scorecard reading 169/6, and set England a target of 273 for victory. The England willow wielders safely negotiated 70 overs, and the match ended in a draw, with England’s scorecard reading 170/3.

The second and final Test match between the Joe Root-led England side and the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand side will start on 10th June 2021 at Edgbaston. After this short two-match Test series, the Kiwis will face the Indian team in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC).

The WTC final is arguably the most anticipated Test match of the year and will start on 18th June 2021 at Southampton. The Indian side has already reached Southampton ahead of the marquee clash between these two teams. The Indian side has a challenging season ahead of them in Test cricket, as the Virat Kohli-led outfit will take on England in a five-match Test series from 4th August 2021.