India faced setbacks in the ICC World Test Championship, losing two crucial points and incurring fines for a slow over-rate during the recent Test against South Africa. The ICC imposed a 10% fine on match fees for each player and deducted two WTC points. The penalty resulted in India slipping to the fifth spot in the WTC points table.
Rohit Sharma’s side, adjudged two overs short by referee Chris Broad, accepted the sanctions without a formal hearing. Umpires Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Ahsan Raza, and Stephen Harris levied the charge, citing a violation of Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Following the defeat in Centurion, India now occupies the sixth position, trailing Australia. Despite a strong start with KL Rahul’s impressive knock, India struggled in subsequent innings, allowing South Africa to dominate. Captain Rohit Sharma conceded the team’s lapse and acknowledged the challenging conditions.
With hopes of securing their first-ever series win in South Africa dwindling, India faces the daunting task of rebounding in the New Year’s Test in Cape Town. The slow-over rate penalty adds to their woes, emphasizing the need for a strong comeback to salvage the series.
