England Penalized 12 WTC Points for Slow Over-Rate After Loss to New Zealand
England suffered a heavy 253-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test at The Oval, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Following the loss, the International Cricket Council (ICC) penalized England 12 World Test Championship (WTC) points for maintaining a slow over-rate, reducing their points percentage from 34.72 to 26.38. Players were also fined 50% of their match fees. Stand-in captain Joe Root accepted the sanction, which impacts England's chances of qualifying for the 2027 WTC final, as they remain seventh in the standings.