Understanding ICC's Protocols for Time-Wasting and On-field Injuries

The 3rd Test match between India and England was filled with drama, lots of fights, and arguments. As the game progressed, the heat among the players increased. Eventually, England snatched the game away from India on the final day and won by 22 runs. But there were a lot of instances where players purposely wasted time to stop their team from losing wickets.

One such occasion occurred when the English batters came to bat for two overs before the day ended, but did some tricks to stop the game after one over. On Tuesday, ICC announced that England were hit with a two-point deduction in the World Test Championship (WTC), for their slow over rate against India in the Lord's Test. Before going into details, let's understand the rules and regulations first.

What are ICC Rules on Time Waste in Cricket?

The ICC rules on time waste in cricket are pretty specified. According to Article 12.9.3 of the ICC's World Test Championship 2025-27 playing conditions, “In calculating the actual over rate for the match, allowances will be given as follows:

12.9.3.1: The time lost as a result of treatment given to a player by an authorised medical personnel on the field of play.
12.9.3.2: The time lost as a result of a player being required to leave the field as a result of a serious injury.
12.9.3.3: The time taken for all third umpire referrals and consultations and any umpire or player reviews.
12.9.3.4: The time lost as a result of time wasting by the batting side.
12.9.3.5: The time lost due to all other circumstances that are beyond the control of the fielding side.
12.9.3.6: 2 minutes per wicket taken, provided that such wicket results in the subsequent batters immediately commencing his innings. For the avoidance of any doubt, no time allowance will be given for the final wicket of an innings or where a wicket falls immediately prior to any interval.
12.9.3.7: 4 minutes per drinks break taken.”

The ICC rules on time waste in cricket are already given in the regulations but it is the umpire's duty to ensure that they are well followed.

What is the Reason for England Slow Over Rate Fine?

There were many instances where England have wasted time, but those instances were well within the ICC's rules and regulations. The decision didn't sit well with many former players, especially England's former captain Michael Vaughan, who showcased his disappointment on social media. Well, both teams bowled each other out within 80 overs in the second innings.

However, England were two overs behind the over-rate, while India had completed their overs in time. This happened because India used their spin bowlers more than pacers, who helped them complete the match well within the stipulated time. On the other hand, England used their pacers more, and hence, the punishment.

India had two spinners at their disposal, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. On the other hand, England just had Shoaib Bashir, who even got injured midway during the match. The visitors used 42.1 and 132.3 overs of spin and pace, while the hosts used 31.5 and 162.2. The difference is quite obvious as to why they were late by two overs.

Losing points in the WTC becomes quite critical for the teams in the latter half of the cycle. In three cycles of WTC, England are yet to qualify for the finals, despite playing the most number of Test matches. However, looking at their performance this season, they might be the first team to qualify for the finals. India and Australia have qualified twice, while New Zealand and South Africa have qualified once. The Proteas are the defending champions of the WTC 2025, so all eyes will be on them this time.