ENG vs IND 2025: Ben Stokes asks ICC to show common sense in slow over-rate penalties

Ahead of the 4th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, England skipper Ben Stokes made some bold remarks about over rates. He advised the International Cricket Council (ICC) to think in a more sensible way before taking any effective step on this matter. Stokes's frustration with the slow overrate decision by the ICC is legitimate, as he and his team had to suffer regarding this. Despite winning the Lord's Test against India from a tight position, the ICC punished Team England for slow over rates, and that affectedthem negatively as they had to sacrifice points on the ongoing World Test Championship circle despite gaining a heroic win.

Before the Old Trafford Test, Stokes advised ICC to consider the over rate rule according to the continents and conditions. According to the experienced all-rounder, in subcontinent games, spinners did most of the bowling duties, unlike in England, New Zealand, or Australia, where pacers mainly work with more effect. 

"Overrating isn’t something I worry about, but that’s not saying I purposely slow things down. I do understand the frustration around it, but I honestly think there needs to be a real hard look at how it’s structured," Ben Stokes was quoted in a media statement before the ENG vs. IND 4th Test of the ongoing 5-match series. 

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"Common sense would think you should look at changing how the overrates are timed in different continents. You can’t have the same rules in Asia, where spin is bowling 70 percent of the overs, as you have in New Zealand, Australia, and England, where it’s going to be 70 or 80 percentseam bowled." 

Injury blow for England 

After winning the Lord's Test, the home team is leading the series by 2-1. The Manchester Test is good to be crucial for both of the teams. Apart from sacrificing ranking due to a slow over rate, Ben Stokes and Co. had to suffer an injury blow. Due to injury, Shoaib Bashir was ruled out of the game, and left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Liam Dawson has been included in the team to replace the injured spinner. 

England Playing XI for 4th Test vs India: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer.