By – Prakarsh Kastwar
In the first Test match against South Africa, India was penalized two significant points towards the ICC World Test Championship for bowling two overs short.
In response to India’s slow over-rate during the Boxing Day Test match against South Africa at the Supersport Park in Centurion, ICC fined the team 10% of their match fees and docked them two World Test Championship points. India was bowled out for 131 in their second innings, and South Africa went on to win the match by an innings and 32 runs. India dropped to fifth place in the WTC points standings after the loss. However, India was shocked even more the day after that.
“Rohit Sharma’s side has been docked two crucial ICC World Test Championship points in their first Test against South Africa for bowling two overs short and has also been fined 10% of their match fee,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.
The fine was handed by Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees after India was ruled to be two overs short of the objective.
There was no need for a formal hearing because India captain Rohit Sharma pled guilty to the offense and accepted the suggested sentence.
The charge was levied by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Langton Rusere, third umpire Ahsan Raza, and fourth umpire Stephen Harris.
According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with minimum over-rate offenses, players are penalized 5% of their match fee for each over in which their team fails to bowl within the specified time.
Following the Test defeat, India dropped to fifth place with 16 points from three Tests and a points percentage of 44.44. The reduction of points for the slow-over rate, on the other hand, reduced India’s position in the standings, dropping them below Australia to No.6, with 14 points and a points percentage of 38.89.
In Centurion, India was outplayed in every department. They were in the game after the first day’s play owing to a magnificent knock by KL Rahul, but South Africa began to pull away on Day 2. Dean Elgar hit 185 and Marco Jansen scored 84* to lead the hosts to 408 runs in the first inning. India captain Rohit confessed that it was not a 400 wicket game, and here is where India lost the game.
Despite this, the way India collapsed in their second innings would worry team management. They barely lasted 34.1 overs on Day 3, and other than Virat Kohli’s 76-run innings, there were no major contributions.
Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pacers were mainly underwhelming. The South African hitters took debutants Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur to the cleaners.
India came here hoping to win their first-ever series on Rainbow Nation, but after losing the series opener, the best they can do now is even the series by winning the New Year’s Test in Cape Town.