Tom Latham Backs Stokes, Calls for Over-Rate Rule Review in Test Cricket

New Zealand captain Tom Latham has joined Ben Stokes in questioning the ICC’s over-rate penalties in Test cricket, suggesting the rules may need to be re-discussed. Stokes had earlier revealed his refusal to sign over-rate sheets since the Lord’s Test in the Ashes, citing his frustration with the regulations.

The issue gained traction after England and New Zealand were fined for slow over-rates in the first Test in Christchurch. Match referee David Boon penalized both teams 15% of their match fees and three World Test Championship points for falling three overs short, even after accounting for time allowances.

Latham highlighted the difficulties faced by pace-dominant teams, particularly in matches where runs flow freely. He said on Thursday:

It’s certainly a challenge to get through those 15 overs an hour if the ball’s flying to the boundary a little bit more than usual. We’ve seen in the subcontinent where a lot of spin’s used, where that isn’t necessarily an issue. But maybe that’s something that does need to be reviewed because we’re certainly try our best, and no team wants to be behind in the over-rate. It certainly is a challenge.

As per ICC rules, teams lose five percent of match fees and one championship point for each over they fall short. Stokes, frustrated by a lack of ICC response to his concerns since last year, said:

It’s been over a year now since I made some comments about the over-rates to the match referee and umpires, and to this day we’re yet to hear any response back from the ICC.

With captains voicing their discontent, the ICC may face mounting pressure to reevaluate over-rate policies.