Ben Stokes goes to war with ICC for their brutal ruling against England Cricket Team

England captain Ben Stokes has taken a dig at the International Cricket Council (ICC) after his team was fined for the slow over rate. After the match, Stokes took to social media to show his frustration.

It is to be noted that both England and New Zealand were fined 15% of their match fees and docked three World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over rate during the first Test of the series played at Christchurch.

The three points deducted from the WTC points table can prove to be crucial, especially for New Zealand, who are still fighting for a spot in the WTC 2025 final. England, meanwhile, are already out of contention.

Also read: England announce their playing XI for 2nd Test vs New Zealand; Jacob Bethell's spot cleared

Ben Stokes takes a brutal dig after England & New Zealand get fined for slow over rate

Ben Stokes uploaded a story through his Instagram handle which read, "Good on you ICC! Finished the game with 10 hours of play still left. With this story, the England captain seems to be asking the ICC the reason for the fine even when the game has ended some time before.

Ben Stokes' Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/X2GYPilr2U

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 4, 2024

Ben Stokes was clearly frustrated with the ICC's decision but wasn't left with much to do. The match had ended on Day 4, however, the match referee found both the teams three overs short of their stipulated time.

The charges were levelled by the on-field umpires Rod Tucker and Ahsan Raza, third umpire, and the fourth official. David Boon, the match referee imposed the sanctions. England now have 102 points at a percentage of 42.50.

On the other hand, New Zealand have 69 points at a percentage of 47.92. New Zealand and England are fifth and sixth in the points table. Three points were reduced after the recent violation.

England youngsters shine in Christchurch

Meanwhile, it was a great Test for England, who took a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. The visitors dominated the match right from the start and maintained it till the end. New Zealand scored 348 in the first innings on the back of a crucial 93 from Kane Williamson

Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir picked up four wickets each for England. In reply, England scored 499 on the back of Harry Brook's magnificent 171. Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes also contributed with vital half-centuries. Matt Henry shone for New Zealand with 4-84.

England take a 1-0 lead in the series

The Kiwis scored 254 in their second innings as Williamson struck his second half-century of the match. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with a brilliant 84 off 167 balls under pressure. Fast bowler Brydon Carse finished with a superb spell of 6-42.

Chasing just 104 runs to win, England chased it down with 8 wickets to spare. Jacob Bethell scored a blistering half-century on his Test debut while batting at No. 3. The second Test will be played from December 6 at Wellington.