On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) penalised England and New Zealand 15% of their match fees and three World Test Championship points each for sluggish over-rates in the first test at Christchurch.
Despite their eight-wicket triumph at Hagley Oval, England cannot reach next year’s final at Lord’s, but the penalty knocked New Zealand from equal fourth to fifth, destroying their chances.
Both captains, New Zealand’s Tom Latham and England’s Ben Stokes, pleaded guilty and accepted penalty after the sides were three overs short.
New Zealand, the inaugural World Test Championship victors, must win the following two matches against England and other games to reach next year’s final.
Friday marks the second test in Wellington.
