England’s crushing nine-wicket defeat to Australia at the Gabba became a little more painful when they were fined and docked World Test Championship points for a slow over rate.
ICC Match Referee David Boon fined England 100 per cent of their match fees, and docked them five points in the WTC.
They were five overs behind the required rate on the second day, when they fielded all day as Australia racked up 425.
The second edition of that tournament began with their series against India this summer, when they only won one match.
Australia famously missed out on this year’s final due to a similar transgression.
In isolation, the news is a minor inconvenience for England, although it may affect their selection.
Jack Leach, their spinner, was hit out of the attack by Australia, but can help the over rate. If he does not play, England will be at risk of further punishment.
Boon also fined Travis Head, the man of the match, 15 per cent of his fee for using an audible obscenity while batting.
