Australia fined for maintaining a slow over-rate

Birmingham: Australian cricket captain George Bailey was fined 20 per cent of his match fee, while his teammates were docked 10 per cent of their earnings for maintaining a slow over-rate during their ICC Champions Trophy opener against England here.

"The Australia team has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its Group A match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 against England at Edgbaston on Saturday," the ICC said in a statement. Match Referee Javagal Srinath imposed the fines after Bailey`s side was ruled to be one over short of its target at the end of the match when time allowances were taken into consideration. "In accordance with ICC Code of Conduct for players and player support personnel, and in particular the regulations contained therein governing minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 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," the ICC stated. Therefore, Bailey was fined 20 per cent of his match fee while his players received 10 per cent fines. The offence is contrary to Article 2.5.1 of the Code. The penalty was accepted by Australia without contest so there was no need for a hearing. PTI