Despite Joe Root’s fighting 77, a top knock for England in the fourth innings of the game, supported by Harry Brook’s 58, the hosts found out that the efforts just were not enough to hold New Zealand at bay, even for a draw. As the hosts lost the contest in the second test match of the series by a huge margin of 253 runs, the headlines and spotlight has shifted towards the might and the charisma of the Kiwis fighting in England.
Armed by an excellent all round display in all departments of the game, including Matt Henry finishing with a wicket rout given 11 dismissals in the game and Henry Nicholls’ brilliant century, New Zealand reached a level of ascendency whilst England struggled at home here at The Oval in London.
But having said that, England have more to worry than their in form opponents who have fought their way back into the series. They were just hours ago fined no fewer than 50 per cent of their match fee and not just that. The team have also been penalised 12 points as far as the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle is concerned.
They were found out to be 12 overs short in their target. And if that is not a big blow, then one ought to ask, what is?
But what happens with this new sanction in place? With this sanction in place, apparently England are now on just 38 points on the ICC WTC standings. This places them on 7th. But there’s more damage; but their Points Percentage drops from 34.72 to 26.38.
The 253 run victory earned mightily well by the visiting New Zealand side has completely tilted the series in the favour of the New Zealanders! Moreover, the said sanction was imposed on the faltering England side by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
A news report published in a noted daily happened to share-
Under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl within the allotted time. As per Article 16.11.2 of the World Test Championship playing conditions, teams lose one championship point for each over short, resulting in England being docked 12 crucial points in the WTC standings. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Nitin Menon, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd.
Going forward, there is going to be lots on interim captain Joe Root’s mind as he’d try his best to help England bounce back. But it’ll have to take something well rounded, carefully executed and ardently balanced to see England again change the nature of the current series.
