England fined for slow over-rate in Napier

Dubai, Feb 20 (UNI) The England team was fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its thrilling tied match against New Zealand in Napier today.

ICC Match Referee Alan Hurst imposed the fine after Paul Collingwood's side was ruled to be two overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

The offence is contrary to Section J of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to slow over-rates. For such offences, the decision of the ICC match referee is final and binding.

Commenting on his decision, Mr Hurst said,''The England team has been very close to over-rate breaches in the last couple of games of this series and although this was an exceptional game of cricket, it does not negate the responsibility of the captain to ensure prescribed minimum over-rates are adhered to.'' In accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct regulations governing over-rate penalties, players are fined five 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.

Collingwood was fined 20 per cent of his match fee while each of his players received 10 per cent fines.

UNI XC AB AS1741