'Beware of slow over rates' - Twitter reacts as England, Australia lose WTC points for over-rate offences in Ashes

England hosted Australia for the Ashes and cricket fans witnessed some memorable cricketing action across the five Ashes Tests as the two teams ended the series 2-2 stalemate. Many considered the scoreline a fair result as both teams played quality cricket and did not give their opposition an inch.

While garnering appreciation from the cricket world for their performance, the fierce rivals had to endure sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC), who docked them off important World Test Championship (WTC) points. Australia were docked 10 WTC points for the 2023-2025 cycle while England lost a whopping 19 points for maintaining slow over-rates during the Ashes.

Ben Stokes' men could only manage to meet the over-rate criteria in the third Test at Headingley. They lost two, nine, three, and five points in the first four Tests, respectively. Australia, on the other hand, lost their 10 points during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which ended in a draw after multiple rain breaks.

The ICC has been strict on over-rate offences as a team is docked one WTC point for each over they fail to deliver within the permissible time, taking all possible delays into consideration. So, while Australia and England received the same points (28) from the Ashes, after the deductions, a considerable gap has formed between them on the WTC table.

Australia are at No. 3 on the points table with the percentage of points (PCT) being 30. On the other hand, England got a PCT of only 15 and they are currently at No. 5, behind the West Indies, who failed to win a Test during their home series against India.

India and Pakistan gain advantage

Pakistan had a promising start to their WTC 2023-2025 cycle as they whitewashed Sri Lanka away from home in a two-match series. The Babar Azam-led side has a perfect PCT of 100. India, on the other hand, won their away series against West Indies 1-0, winning the first Test while drawing the second due to rain. They have a PCT of 66.67.

England and Australia losing considerable points have certainly benefitted the Asian giants as they have gained a big lead and occupy the top of the table. However, the third WTC cycle has just started and lots of twists and turns are likely to take place.

Here's how Twitter reacted: