Stokes demands answers from ICC after over-rate sanctions

England captain claims governing body has yet to address his concerns

- Guardian staff

Ben Stokes has revealed a personal stand-off with the International Cricket Council about over-rate penalties, including his refusal as England captain to sign the relevant post-match paperwork as a protest against the system.

Speaking before the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, and naming an unchanged England XI as they target an unassailable 2-0 lead, Stokes laid bare his frustrations at the sides being docked three World Test Championship points and 15% of their match fees for the series opener in Christchurch.

Under the ICC rules, Test matches are supposed to be played at a rate of 15 overs an hour, with an extra 30 minutes per day available to make up any shortfall. Both England and New Zealand were deemed to have fallen three overs short of their targets at Hagley Oval as part of a system that Stokes feels does not factor in the conditions.

"The most frustrating thing is it's an issue depending on where you are in the world and the style of cricket that's played," said Stokes, while also pointing out his side won the first Test with a day and a half to spare. "There is never an over-rate issue in Asia because of how much spin is bowled. I think there needs to be some consideration around how over rates differ when it's a seam-dominant Test match."

The system was tweaked during the 2023 Ashes - the start of the latest WTC cycle - and Stokes says he voiced concerns at the time. The England captain's issue is not with the match referees, he said, rather the regulations and the lack of response from ICC to the feedback he passed on. On the three occasions England have been penalised since, Stokes has declined to sign the relevant form.