England’s WTC Hopes Dented as ICC Slaps Penalty After Lord’s Win
England beat India by 22 runs at Lord’s, but face fine and WTC point deduction for slow over rate. Series now 2-1.
England won the third Test against India at Lord’s by 22 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. Chasing 193, India looked comfortable at 41 for 1 but collapsed under pressure as Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer led England’s fightback.
Stokes bowled 24 relentless overs, picking up three crucial wickets. Archer also claimed three, including Rishabh Pant early on Day 5. India lost wickets steadily, and although Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61, support from the lower order wasn’t enough.
Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah showed resistance, but Siraj’s unlucky dismissal where the ball rolled back onto the stumps ended India’s hopes. The narrow defeat came despite a decent pitch and a modest target.
After the win, England were docked two World Test Championship (WTC) points and fined 10 percent of their match fees for a slow over rate. Match referee Richie Richardson said England were two overs short. According to ICC rules, each missed over results in a five percent fine and one WTC point lost. Stokes accepted the penalty without contesting it.
The result left India ruing another missed chance in a close chase, as they failed to capitalize on a strong position.
