There needs to be a little bit more consistency around WTC points system: Tim Paine

Nathan Lyon missed the run-out opportunity of Jack Leech and Ben Stokes and England pulled off a one-wicket heist at Headingly. If the off-spinner didn’t miss that chance, then Australia would have been in the World Test Championship Final (WTC) in 2021.  Another moment that came to haunt Tim Paine and Australia was the new Percentage of Points (PCT) system, which made them lose four precious points due to the slow-over rate maintained throughout the Melbourne Test against India.

These two were significant moments, which derailed Australia from entering into WTC Final for the inaugural edition. The reduction in points meant the team had 69.2 points and compared to New Zealand’s 70. Australia’s Test captain Paine feels the fine and points reduced to slow over-rate was a bit harsh on his team, as the other teams were given leverage, but his team was docked points instead.

Paine’s team had a good two years WTC cycle in which they dominated at home and beat teams like New Zealand and Pakistan. They also drew the Ashes in 2019 2-2 which was held in England, but alas they could not compete in the marquee final in Southampton. “Unfortunately, we were the team I think that’s borne the brunt of it for an over-rate. I think there’s been a lot of Test match cricket in the last two years where teams haven’t bowled their overs,” Paine told Australian media as quoted by Sportskeeda.

Tim Paine wants a bit of consistency in the rules from the next WTC cycle

Naturally, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter was disappointed and was left disappointed in the end. Paine was also unsure as to how many other teams lost points due to slow over-rate and wants consistency and fair rule in place with regards to points to all the teams.

“I’m not sure how many teams lost points out of it but I think there needs to be a little bit more consistency around it, given now that the prize is so big and a couple of overs can cost you four points. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when you’re the only team that’s been docked points,” he added.

Paine further concluded by saying that he didn’t watch the WTC Final and was deeply hurt by the points which were reduced in the Melbourne Test.