The Australia captain, Tim Paine and his men Australia have received a fine of 40 percent on their match fee and the team have also suffered a deduction of 4 World Test Championship points due to slow-over rate in the Boxing Day Test against India. It will be a double blow for the hosts as they lost the 2nd Test, at the MCG, by 8 wickets on Day 4. Australia is currently leading the charts in the ICC World Test Championship points table with India on 2nd.
Hosts Australia has been penalized for being two overs short of the target despite considering the time allowances and a decision was reached by the match referee David Boon.
In a staement reagrding the same ICC informed, “In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC code of conduct which relates to minimum over-rate offenses, players are fined 20% of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalized two points for each over short.”
ALSO READ: CA Confirms, Sydney Will Be Hosting The 3rd Test Against India
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Australia captain Paine pleaded guilty to the aforementioned offense, and hence there is no requirement for a formal hearing. After India’s thumping win in the Boxing Day Test, the four-match series has now been leveled at 1-1. The Sydney Cricket Ground is scheduled to host the 3rd Test, starting January 7.
Earlier on Tuesday, India’s second innings started poorly as they lost Mayank Agarwal (5) and Cheteshwar Pujara (3) in quick succession leaving them reeling at 19/2. However, opener Shubman Gill (35*) and stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane (27*) guided India home to level the four-match series at 1-1 ahead of the third Test.
Australia lost their last 4 wickets in the extended first session on Tuesday, as they also managed to add 67 runs to their overnight score of 133 for 6 to set a meager target of 70 runs for India to level the series.
ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane Praises The Debutant For Showing Patience
Siraj was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors as he scalped 3 wickets and conceded just 37 runs while Bumrah, Ashwin, and Jadeja got a couple each and Umesh Yadav, who bowled just 3.3 overs in this innings before going off the field with a calf injury, got 1 wicket.
