Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has offered a spirited defence of slow over-rates in Test cricket, calling them a mark of “quality cricket” when matched by intensity and character on the field. Hogg’s comments come in the wake of England being penalised two ICC World Test Championship points for falling short of the over-rate requirement during their thrilling 22-run victory over India in the third Test at Lord’s.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hogg said that slow over-rates are justifiable if the match maintains drama and intent. “When things are not going as fast, the slow over-rates there, it is okay as long as there is tension in the game. We want that tension. We want the players’ character showing,” he said.
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He added pointedly, “As long as it has got the tension, slow over-rate is good – because that is quality cricket.”
Hogg, who played 145 matches for Australia, argued that in English conditions, conserving bowler energy is strategic, especially when the ball softens. “It is a bit of cat and mouse… when the batters are in control, bowlers wait for that defensive moment to strike back and rush them. That’s where the game ebbs and flows,” he noted.Reflecting on India’s defeat at Lord’s, Hogg pointed to one pivotal moment. “India lost that match because of one moment. Pant getting run out trying to get Rahul on strike for his hundred, and then Rahul gets out after celebrating. Two wickets in ten balls after a 140-run stand. That was the turning point.”The five-match series now stands at 2-1 in England’s favour, with the fourth Test in Manchester beginning July 23.
