"We're not purposely bowling overs slower than the rules say" - Ben Stokes calls out ICC for docking WTC points after NZ vs ENG 2024 1st Test
England Test skipper Ben Stokes has opened up on his frustrations at the ICC deducting their World Test Championship (WTC) points despite the first Test against New Zealand finishing in four days. Stokes defended his discontent, claiming that players are not bowling overs slowly than usual purposely.
With the ICC deducting three WTC points for both England and New Zealand, the seam-bowling all-rounder questioned it. He posted an Instagram story on the same, writing sarcastically, "Good on you ICC, finished the game with 10 hours of play still left."
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (December 4), Stokes suggested that the ICC needs to tweak the rules country-wise. The 33-year-old stated, as quoted by BBC Sport:
"You totally understand why there is frustration from the fans. We're not purposely bowling overs slower than the rules say. In the summer it doesn't get dark until till half 10 in England. Why not just make it you bowl your overs out if the light is sufficient enough for us to be able to do that? I’m not the only one who shares the opinion that we would like to have a lot more communication with the ICC around this."
The 2023 Ashes series played in England saw the hosts lose 19 out of the 28 points due to slow over-rate. England are virtually out of the WTC final contention.
"The best thing is he is back on the field playing" - Ben Stokes on Jofra Archer's potential Test return
With fast bowler Jofra Archer returning to playing at the top level only recently after a lengthy hiatus due to injury, Stokes said they have to decide against rushing him back to red-ball cricket. On this, he added:
"The excitement is understandable around Jofra. The best thing is he is back on the field playing. The injuries and surgeries he has gone through could have ended careers so there is no rushing back."
Archer last played a Test in 2021 during the four-Test tour of India.