Australia fined for slow over rate in Sydney

[Guest Hiten.]

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee and each of the Australian players fined 10 per cent for maintaining a slow over rate during their 18-run triumph over India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Ponting's side was ruled to be two overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration in the 10th match of the ongoing tri-series Sunday. In accordance with the International Cricket Council (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. Commenting on his decision, ICC Match Referees Jeff 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," Crowe added. 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. http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/FullcoverageStoryPage.aspx?id=abd9895e-8150-4bab-85c0-56ea30f58d75IndiainAustralia_Special&&IsCricket=true&Headline=Australia+fined+for+slow+over+rate+in+Sydney