England’s Ben Stokes demands answers from ICC after latest over-rate sanctions

‘There is never an over-rate issue in Asia because of how much spin is bowled. There needs to be some consideration around how over rates differ when it’s a seam-dominant Test,” says Ben Stokes. Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Ben Stokes has revealed a personal stand-off with the International Cricket Council about over-rate penalties, including his refusal as England captain to sign the relevant post-match paperwork as a protest against the system.

Speaking before the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, and naming an unchanged England XI as they target an unassailable 2-0 lead, Stokes laid bare his frustrations at the sides being docked three World Test Championship points and 15% of their match fees for the sluggish, albeit four-day, series opener in Christchurch.