England handed fine for slow over-rate

alastaircook

Alastair Cook's men slumped to a 133-run defeat in Cardiff on Wednesday as India took a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.

And the hosts have now been hit with further punishment for their showing in the defeat after falling one over short of their target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

Captain Cook has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee while the rest of the England side were slapped with 10 per cent fines.

The decision puts Cook on a disciplinary tightrope as he will receive a one-match suspension if found guilty of one more minor over-rate offence in a one-day contest in the next 12 months.

An International Cricket Council (ICC) statement read: "Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fines after Alastair Cook's side was ruled to be one over short of its target at the end of the match when time allowances were taken into consideration.

"In accordance with ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel regulations governing minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

"As such, Cook was fined 20 per cent of his match fee while his players received 10 per cent fines. If Cook is found guilty of one more minor over-rate offence in ODIs over the next 12 months, he will receive a one-match suspension as per the provisions of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

"The offence is contrary to Article 2.5.1 of the code which relates to minor over-rate offences. The penalty was accepted by England without contest so there was no need for a hearing."

England and India meet again at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

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