India have been docked two points in the World Test Championship for their slow over-rate in the defeat to South Africa in the first Test in Centurion. India had fallen to No.5 with 16 points from 3 Tests and a points percentage of 44.44 after the huge defeat on Thursday. After the ICC sanction, India now find themselves below Australia at No.6 with 14 points and a points percentage of 38.89.
This is a huge blow for India, who have made it to the finals of the two World Test Championships so far. These are still early days but the penalty will hurt the team after an embarrasing innings defeat to South Africa inside three days.
A press release issued by the International Cricket Council said Chris Broad, the match referee, penalised India after the team fell two overs short of the target during the Boxing Day Test in Centurion.
“As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, the players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” the ICC press release said.