England’s skipper Eoin Morgan faces the chances of being banned by ICC for the slow over-rate offence during the World Cup tie against Pakistan. England were two over short even after four hours in Pakistan’s innings.
A team has to complete 50 overs within three and a half hours to four hours. In case they fail to do so, it invites a fine for captain and players; plus ban on captain if there is the second instance of slow over rate in 12 months.
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If Morgan is banned, it will come as a big blow for the Three Lions, who might be already down in confidence after their defeat at the hands of Pakistan, the team that they had defeated 4-0 prior to World Cup. During the series as well, Morgan got banned for slow over rate and Jos Buttler led the team in the fourth ODI.
If Morgan is banned and misses any match in World Cup, vice-captain Buttler will take over the charge. The main issue for England will be to get a middle-order batsman in the playing XI. They do have James Vince, who made his debut recently, but he is a designated opener and will have to bat in middle-order if the opportunity arises.
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England will hope that Morgan escapes a ban this time around. The England skipper will be on his toes in upcoming matches and will have to make sure that the hosts bowl the 50 overs in time. A repeat in failing to bowl overs in time will surely see Morgan being banned if he escapes a ban on this occasion.
A decision from ICC is yet to come out but the apex board did fine Jofra Archer and Jason Roy. They docked 15% of their match fees for breaching ICC Code of Conduct during yesterday’s match against Pakistan.
England were handed an upset by Sarfaraz Ahmed and co as the hosts failed to chase down a target of 349. They were the favourites to chase down the target and register their second consecutive win in the tournament but Pakistan’s pacers pulled the game back in the later part of the match and ensured a 14-run win for their side.
England take on Bangladesh in their next fixture in Cardiff on Saturday.