England and New Zealand lose World Test Championship points for slow over rates
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy England and New Zealand have been deducted three World Test Championship points for slow over rates during their series opener in Christchurch. A statement from the International Cricket Council read: “New Zealand and England were both found to have three overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration, with sides penalised one point for each over they were found to be short. “Both captains – Tom Latham of New Zealand and Ben Stokes of England – pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.” The ICC said on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton had levelled the charges. Sixth-placed England were already out of contention to reach next year’s ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s, despite their eight-wicket win at Hagley Oval.