Ben Stokes was left bemused over the ICC's over-rate penalties imposed on England after their win against New Zealand, leading to the deduction of World Test Championship points. England and New Zealand were penalised for slow over-rates in the first Test.

Ben Stokes has hit out at the ICC after England and New Zealand were punished for slow over rates in the sides’ opening contest in Christchurch. Both teams were penalised three points, with players fined 15 per cent of their match fees, meaning England have now been docked a total of 22 World Test Championship points across the 2023-25 cycle.

Ben Stokes is locked in a long-running dispute with the International Cricket Council about over rate fines and points deductions. Stokes revealed on Wednesday that since the 2023 Ashes, he has refused to sign the over rate sheet given to captains by the match referee at the end of a Test that shows teams have bowled their overs too slowly.

BEN STOKES has hit back at the International Cricket Council after England were hit by a World Test Championship points deduction, claiming the governing body has failed to engage with his concerns.

"The most frustrating thing is that it's always an issue depending on where you are in the world and the style of cricket that's played"

England Test captain Ben Stokes continued his year-long protest against the International Cricket Council (ICC), as he once again refused to sign over rate charge sheet after England and New Zealand suffered over-rate penalties from their first Test in Christchurch.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has again imposed strict penalties on England and New Zealand for slow over-rates during their first Test in Christchurch. The sanctions, which include financial fines and World Test Championship (WTC) point deductions,