NZ, England both fined for slow over-rates in first Test

Both New Zealand and England have received penalties for slow over-rates during the first Test in Christchurch last week.

Each side has been docked three World Test Championship points, as well as 15% of player match fees, after the over-rate was found to be three overs short.

While England are already out of contention for next year’s WTC final, the penalty is a hit to New Zealand’s slim aspirations of making a second appearance in the decider.

It means the Black Caps’ WTC points percentage falls to 47.92%, with a maximum of 55.36% possible if they win their remaining two Tests against England.

“Good on you ICC,” English captain Ben Stokes said in response to the penalty.

“Finished the game with 10 hours of play still left.”

The sanction is England’s second of this WTC cycle, having lost 19 points for slow over-rates in the Ashes last year.

New Zealand and England will meet again later this week in Wellington, with the second of three Tests due to start on Friday, December 6.

After the visitors won the opening Test by eight wickets, Bovada has both sides at +112 to salute at the Basin Reserve.

Previously, top cricket bookmakers had New Zealand as favourites to win the series, but they are now +350 outsiders, with England paying -303.03.

Ahead of the second Test, Stokes has declared himself “raring to go” after seeming to struggle with an injury on the fourth day and pulling himself out of the bowling.

“I think the body is going to be good for this outing,” Stokes said.

“I’ve not spent that much time out in the middle for a long time.

“I hurt my back diving for a ball on day one as well.

“It was more management than anything else: with where we were in the game, it didn’t feel necessary to eke out any more balls than I needed to.

“I’m raring to go for Wellington.”

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