India docked 2 crucial World Test Championship points for slow over rate in Boxing day Test match against South Africa

As they were 2 overs below the target, ICC docked 2 points off of India, bringing them to 14 points out of 36.

India docked 2 crucial World Test Championship points for slow over rate in Boxing day Test match against South Africa

Dean Elgar takes a run as Shardul Thakur looks on (Image via ESPN)

India suffered a humiliating defeat to South Africa in the Boxing Day Test match. Being bowled out for 245, the Proteas put up 408 runs. India had to trail 153 but once again were bowled for a below par score, losing by an innings and 32 runs. 

With this loss, India’s points percentage fell down to 44.44. From being 1st on the points table, they fell down to 6th. But now they have been docked 2 more points for maintaining a slow over rate. Match referee Chris Broad decided to impose the punishment as India were 2 overs below the target. Along with that, the players were fined 10% of their match fees.

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They are now 14 points out of 36. Their PCT is 38. 89 and below Pakistan at 6th. They will now play the 2nd Test against South Africa on 3rd January. The match will be played in New Lands, Cape Town. 

Avesh Khan added to the Indian Test team for the 2nd Test 

Pacer Avesh Khan has been called up to the Indian squad for the 2nd Test in Cape Town. The 27-year-old has played 38 First Class matches and has picked up 149 wickets with an average of 22.65. In the current India A match with South Africa A, he picked up a fifer. 

Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan in action for India A in 2021 (Image via ESPN)

He replaces the injured Mohammed Shami, who is ruled out of the series due to an ankle injury. With pacers Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna under fire for their poor performances in the first Test, it looks like the team management wants to try a new pacer in the squad.

With Temba Bavuma injured, Dean Elgar is appointed as the Test captain for his last Test. He was the South African Test captain from 2019 till 2023. After there was a new coaching staff in place, he was replaced by Temba Bavuma. 

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