England fined for slow over-rate in first Test against New Zealand

Dubai: England cricket team on Monday were fined 40 percent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's.

Only 86 overs could be bowled on the first day's play despite taking the extra half hour available, which had a cascading effect on the rest of the rain-affected game.

Chris Broad of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Joe Root's side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

“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 percent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” the ICC said in a statement.

Root pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Michael Gough and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Mike Burns leveled the charge. (UNI)