England captain Ben Stokes expresses frustration with ICC ahead of Wellington Test

International Cricket Council (ICC) has been put under the dock by England skipper Ben Stokes. This comes after the 33-year-old vented his frustrations on social media after England were docked points for slow over-rate. Even hosts New Zealand were docked points at the end of the first Test match in Christchurch. 

While addressing the media, Stokes said, “The most frustrating thing is it’s an issue depending on where you are in the world and the style of cricket that’s played. There is never an over-rate issue in Asia because of how much spin is bowled. I think there needs to be some consideration around how over rates differ when it’s a seam-dominant Test match.” 

New Zealand and England will play each other in the 2nd Test match starting on Friday in Wellington. While the English team is out of reckoning for a place in the WTC finals race, the Kiwis who were in the race were dealt a huge blow. Tom Latham’s side not only has to win the final two matches but also will have to hope other results go their way. 

Ben Stokes seeks clarity from ICC 

Further speaking to the media, England skipper Ben Stokes said, “I’ve not signed an over-rate sheet since Lord’s in the Ashes, I won’t sign until we hear some communication back from the ICC. We’re still waiting for that. But they still take the fines off you anyway.”

Stokes also mentioned, “The two conversations I’ve had with the match referees have actually been very good and the match referees have handled it very, very well and been very understanding from a player’s point of view. But it’s been over a year now since I made some comments about the over-rate and still to this day we’re yet to hear any response back from ICC around that.”

Meanwhile, Stokes was asked about the potential return of Jofra Archer to Test cricket. ESPN CRICINFO quoted the 33-year-old as saying, “The excitement is understandable around Jofra. The best thing is he is back on the field playing. I am sure he might have thought he might not have the chance to put on an England shirt again and the injuries and surgeries he has gone through could have ended other people's careers so there is no rushing back for anything for Jofra.”