Australia fined for slow over-rate in Sydney by ICC Media Release

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Scorecard:	Australia v India
Player:	JJ Crowe, RT Ponting
Event:	Commonwealth Bank Series 2007/08

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DateLine: 25th February 2008

 

The Australia team has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its 18-run victory over India at Sydney in the 10th match of the ongoing tri-series on Sunday.

 

Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Ricky Ponting’s side was ruled to be two overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

 

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.

 

As such, Ponting was fined 20 per cent of his match fee with each of his players receiving 10 per cent fines.

 

Commenting on his decision, Mr Crowe said: "Prior to the match in Melbourne , I had talks with the Australia team management in which I had again reminded them of their responsibilities regarding over-rates.

 

“I understand and accept that it was a close and high-scoring match.

 

“In such circumstances, getting through their overs in the early stages would assist them to have enough time available to work with the bowlers and set fielding placing when the match enters the last 10 overs or crucial stages.”

 

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.

 

The full ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Officials can be found at:

 

http://in.yimg.com/icccricket/pdfs/code-of-conduct-for-players-and-officials.pdf