England Penalized For Slow Over-Rate In The First Test Against New Zealand
Joe Root batting. (Credits: Twitter)

Though England got away against New Zealand in the first Test at the Lord’s with a draw, they could not escape a fine. On account of maintaining a slow over-rate, England have been fined 40 per cent of their match fees as the referees found the hosts to be two overs short of the target. The opening Test of the English summer ended in a draw, mainly due to persistent rain on day three.

According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, relating to the minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees slapped the sanction.

England captain Joe Root pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the sanction; hence, there was no requirement of a formal hearing. On-field umpires Michael Gough and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Mike Burns levelled the charge.

England and New Zealand to lock horns in Edgbaston for the second Test:

England Penalized For Slow Over-Rate In The First Test Against New Zealand
Joe Root and Kane Williamson. (Credits: Twitter)

Meanwhile, the second Test between the two sides begins on the 10th of June at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Rookie pacer Ollie Robinson will not play in the second Test due to his Twitter controversy, while they have added Dom Bess to the squad. As for New Zealand, Trent Boult is likely to feature in the game after missing the opening Test. It would be their last Test before the ICC World Test Championship final against India in Southampton on the 18th of June.

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