England, Australia handed severe penalties for slow over-rates, pushes India, Pakistan higher on WTC 2023-25 table

The Ashes 2023 was an exciting series between both teams. Just like the 2019 series, it was drawn 2-2 with one game ending in a draw. However, despite winning two games each, England and Australia have lost a lot of points. Apparently, both teams have been found guilty of poor over-rates during the five-match series. Talking about the home side, England, they have been docked 19 points.

They fell short of five overs in the last game, three in the fourth Test, nine in the second, and two in the first Test. Only in the third Test, they were on point about bowling the full quota of overs. Talking about Australia, they have lost 10 points due to the same. Their over-rate in four games was fine but one game's over-rate offense led them to lose 10 points.

This has led to opening batter Usman Khawaja criticizing the Apex Council.

"Don't even get the chance to bowl in the second innings at Manchester due to 2 days of rain and Apex Council still issue fines and take 10 WTC points of us for slow over rates! That makes a lot of sense...," tweeted Khawaja.

India and Pakistan have gained the most of it

These fines and points docking has led to two-time finalists, India and Pakistan gaining the most. The Babar Azam-led side has played two games and has won as many. On the other hand, the Rohit Sharma-led side has played two, won one, and drawn as many. Both teams are now at the top two spots in the World Test Championship 2023-25.