Australia has been handed a two-point penalty by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their slow over-rate in the first Ashes Test match against England. The thrilling test, which lasted until after 7pm on day five at Edgbaston, saw both teams fall two overs behind the expected timeline. As a result, both teams were fined 40% of their match fees and Australia’s win in the Test Championship ladder dropped from 12 to 10, while England are now on -2 after their first match.
This is not the first time that Australia has received a penalty for slow over-rates. In 2021, they missed the final of the Championship after being docked four points for slow over-rates in the Boxing Day Test against India in 2020. Their knockout from the top position forced them to watch New Zealand beat India in the decider.
During the Ashes series, slow over-rates are expected to be an issue, particularly as England strikes boundaries with ease. The Bazball era has seen England score rapidly, which is likely to challenge Australia’s attempts to get through overs quickly, with the ball being hit to all corners. Even England was slow through the match as captain Ben Stokes changed his field almost every ball in key moments of Australia’s two innings.
Australia’s slow over-rates have been a constant bugbear throughout the years, and they have paid the price on several occasions. The ICC is urging teams to adhere to the time guidelines, as they hope to ensure timely completion of matches throughout the Championship. For now, Australia will need to up their game to avoid further penalties and ensure a smoother path to the top of the Championship ladder.
