The England team has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its 84-run defeat to South Africa in the second Twenty20 International at Centurion on Sunday.

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fines after Alastair Cook’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 the new ICC Code of Conduct regulations 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.

As such, Cook, who was standing in as captain for the injured Paul Collingwood, was fined 20 per cent of his match fee while his players received 10-per-cent fines. If Cook, as captain, is guilty of two further similar over-rate offences in T20Is over the next 12 months, he will receive a one-match suspension as per the provisions of the new, enhanced ICC Code of Conduct.

The offence is contrary to Article 2.5.1 of the code which relates to minor over-rate offences. The penalty was accepted by England without contest so there was no need for a hearing.