‘Big boost for India’ – Fans react as England and Australia lose points in WTC standings due to slow overrate in the Ashes

Ben Stokes guided England to a victory in the fifth Ashes Test against a Pat Cummins-led side to draw the five-match series at 2-2. However, the achievement wasn’t without some terrible consequences for the home team. According to reports, the Apex Cricket Council imposed an extensive penalty on England due to a slow over-rate during the Ashes. Moreover, England lost crucial WTC points despite levelling up the series against the visitors.

Not only the home team but Australia was also penalized with 10 WTC points from the recently concluded Ashes series for a slow overrate during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, whereas England lost 19 points for a slow overrate in four Test matches out of five. Notably, the home team fell short by two overs during the first Test, nine overs in the second Test, and three and five overs short during the fourth and fifth Tests.

In addition, the Pat Cummins-led side received a penalty of 50% of their match fees for the fourth Test match, whereas the hosts were penalized 10% for the first Test, 45% for the second, 15% for the fourth, and 25% for the fifth Test of their match fee.

Pakistan and India are in a dominating position

“Under the revised regulations, they were fined five percent of their match fee and one WTC point for every over short. Australia have been docked 10 WTC points from the recently-concluded Ashes series for a slow over-rate in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, while England lost 19 points combined for falling behind in four of the five Tests,” read a statement by the Apex Cricket Council posted on their website on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Babar Azam-led side is at the top of the World Test Championship cycle 2023–2025 after their stellar performance against Sri Lanka and a great 2-0 win. Following that, the Men in Blue are in second place after a 1-0 Test win against the West Indies. Australia and England stand at the third and fifth spots, respectively.

Here is how the fans have reacted to the same: