England are set to face an over-rate penalty from their first bowling innings of the Brisbane Ashes Test, even though Australia also fell behind the required rate. The reason lies in specific clauses within the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) playing conditions.
Throughout the second Test, both teams have struggled to meet the mandated minimum of 15 overs per hour. Umpires assess the over-rate at the end of the match, applying allowances for legitimate delays such as medical treatment, DRS reviews, batting-side time-wasting, wicket celebrations, and innings breaks.
The sluggish pace has been made worse by both sides opting to play without a specialist spinner. By the end of day three, the only spin bowled in the match came from Will Jacks, who delivered 11.3 overs during Australia’s first innings. With nearly all overs coming from fast bowlers, the innings naturally proceeded more slowly.
Why Australia Will Avoid a Penalty
Australia and stand-in captain Steve Smith were criticized for time-wasting late on day one, and after England’s first innings finished early on day two, Australia were eight overs short of the required rate. Under WTC rules, that would normally mean the loss of one point per penalty over.
However, the playing conditions include a major loophole. If a fielding side dismisses the opposition within 80 overs, that innings is exempt from over-rate penalties. In addition, rule 19.9.4.1 states that if a team bowls the opposition out twice, and the total number of overs bowled across both innings does not exceed 160 overs, no penalty can be imposed.
At stumps on day three, England had faced only 35 overs in their second innings and were already six wickets down. Their innings is unlikely to extend anywhere near 80 overs, and Australia will almost certainly remain under the 160-over limit across the match. As a result, Australia will avoid any punishment for their slow rate.
Why England Will Not Be Spared
England, however, do not benefit from the same protections. Australia’s first innings stretched to 117.3 overs, ending on 511. When the innings closed, England were four overs behind schedule. Because England have only bowled one innings that has exceeded the 80-over mark—and because Australia are unlikely to bat again—they do not meet the “bowled them out twice” requirement for the 160-over exemption to apply.
This means England are almost certain to lose WTC points for the Brisbane Test.
