Image: Ben Stokes criticized the ICC after England and New Zealand were docked three WTC points / © The Guardian
With the World Test Championship (WTC) Finals on the horizon, excitement is building as teams jostle for a coveted spot in the prestigious event, set to take place at Lord’s in June 2025. However, recent penalties have added a layer of complexity to the qualification race. England and New Zealand were docked three WTC points each and fined 15% of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate during the 1st Test in Christchurch.
While England remains unaffected, as they are already out of contention, New Zealand’s hopes hang by a thread. Their points percentage dropped to 47.92%, pushing them to fifth place in the standings. Even with victories in their remaining Tests, the Black Caps can only reach a maximum of 55.36%, leaving them reliant on favorable outcomes in other matches.
England captain Ben Stokes criticized the ICC’s decision, expressing his frustration on Instagram, stating, “Good on you ICC. Finished the game with 10 hours of play still left.” The penalties highlight the importance of every over in this fiercely competitive cycle, as teams aim to secure one of the top two spots in the WTC standings. With just months to go, the pressure to perform is at an all-time high, promising thrilling cricket ahead.