India, June 22 -- England's hopes of making the World Test Championship (WTC) received a body blow after the Three Lions were docked 12 points for maintaining a slow over-rate in the second Test of the three-match series against New Zealand at the Oval in London. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the official punishment for England shortly after the hosts went down against the Kiwis by 253 runs on Sunday. Moreover, England have also been fined 50 per cent of their match fees.

The sanction was imposed by Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. The action was taken after England were ruled to be 12 overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

"In accordance with Article 2.22...