ICC imposes heavy penalty on England after loss in second Test to New Zealand

England endured a day to forget at The Oval on Sunday, suffering a crushing 253‑run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test of the three‑match series. The loss not only denied them the chance to seal the series but also brought a heavy sanction from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The hosts were docked 12 ICC World Test Championship points and fined 50% of their match fees after being ruled 12 overs short of the required target once time allowances were factored in. The penalty has pushed England down to seventh place in the WTC standings, with their points percentage (PCT) plummeting from 34.72 to 26.38.

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Andy Pycroft imposes sanctions on England

Match referee Andy Pycroft imposed the sanction under Article 16.11.2 of the WTC playing conditions, which states that teams lose one point for every over they fall short. As the regulation notes: “A team will have one (1) World Test Championship competition point deducted from its points total for each Penalty Over it incurs during the Round Stage.”

In addition, the 50% fine was levied under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which stipulates that players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl within the allotted time.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s emphatic victory has strengthened their position on the table. With three wins, one loss, and a draw in the current cycle, the Kiwis now sit fourth with 40 points and a PCT of 66.67, keeping their final hopes firmly alive. The series decider will be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham from June 25 onwards.

ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Points Table