The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed England have been slapped with a fine due to their 'slow over-rate' during the second Test win over New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Brendon McCullum's men have been forced to forfeit 40 per cent of their match fee and two World Test Championship points. The victory in Nottingham had lifted England to 42 points in the World Test Championship standings, but they now sit in eighth place on 40 instead.
“Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after England were ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration," read a statement by the ICC.
“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 per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.
“In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, two World Test Championship points have been deducted from England’s points total.”
Along with the points penalty, England's points percentage has also been affected and was reduced from 25 to 23.81. Bangladesh are the only team in the table with an inferior points percentage, sat directly below McCullum's men in ninth.
Skipper Ben Stokes accepted the charges raised against England by on-field umpires Michael Gough and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Martin Saggers. Still, the punishment couldn't completely sour what turned out to be a special win for the hosts.
Jonny Bairstow smashed a century to lead England on a successful chase of 299 in just 50 overs. The Yorkshire man was named Player of the Match and helped relieve a great deal of pressure facing England ahead of the third and final Test in Leeds later this month.
England were fined 100 per cent of their match fees and docked five World Test Championship points for a slow over rate during their first Test defeat to Australia during last year's Ashes. Results swiftly appear to be improving under McCullum's guidance, though certain disciplinary issues remain.
