As the first Test between New Zealand and England came to an end, both teams were fined a portion of their match fees and were also penalized with some crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points for falling off the pace.
Although England were out of contention for a place in the final, New Zealand had a chance. However, the current points deduction is a huge blow to New Zealand and their chances of qualifying for next year’s finals in June.
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New Zealand were penalized with crucial WTC points
New Zealand now have a run percentage of 47.92 and can only increase to 55.36% even if they win the remaining Tests of the series against England. As a result, the Kiwis dropped from fourth place to fifth place in the standings.
Both teams were fined 15 percent of their match fee and penalized with valuable WTC points. They now face the daunting task of qualifying for next year’s WTC finals in June 2025.
They must win the next two Tests against England at all costs if they aim to reach the WTC final at Lord’s. After taking into account the time, it was determined that both teams were three times behind their goal.
Both teams were punished
Teams are penalized one point for each missing game. The respective captains, Tom Latham and Ben Stokes, accepted the offenses and pleaded guilty, so no formal hearings were required.
The charges were made by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and third umpire Rod Tucker. The head referee of the match, David Boon, imposed a sanction. Boon is also part of the ICC Elite Match Referee Panel.
New Zealand had a great time recently, stunningly beating India 3-0 at home. With this victory, their chances of qualifying for the WTC finals increased slightly. But the latest sanctions have seriously affected their chances.
England beat New Zealand to take a 1-0 lead
Moreover, the Kiwis also lost the first Test of the series in a crushing fashion to England. They were far from their best and simply couldn’t stay ahead of the game. The visiting England side won a big victory.
The only positive for the Kiwis was the form of Kane Williamson, who announced his return to form in spectacular fashion. Williamson scored two and a half centuries in the match but failed to take his team home.
Meanwhile, there was no one. Great shots from England. Harry Brook scored a brilliant hundred while Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes also played vital knocks. Fast bowler Brydon Carse took 10 wickets in the match and also scored an important 33*.
The second Test will be played in Wellington on December 6 and the home side will be aiming for a strong comeback.
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