Collingwood Faces Four-match Ban Over Slow Over Rates

Paul Collingwood faces a ban from international cricket as a result of England's slow over rate in yesterday's contentious one-wicket defeat by New Zealand at The Oval. England's one-day captain, already under fire over a run-out incident in yesterday's NatWest series match, will be banned for a minimum of four one-day internationals or two Tests - or a combination of the two forms of the game - after being found guilty of a level three offense in the International Cricket Council's code of conduct.

Flanked by coach Peter Moores and operations manager Phil Neale at an after-match hearing last night, Collingwood was told of his potential punishment by match referee Javagal Srinath. It carries such severity because this is Collingwood's second such offense within a 12-month period. He was fined 50% of his match fee following the defeat by India at Bristol last August.

As on that occasion, England were three overs behind when their time allotment for bowling their 50 overs elapsed. Srinath will deliver his verdict this afternoon. In addition to Collingwood's spell on the sidelines, the other England players will be fined 15% of their match fee.

Collingwood, who publicly apologized last night for his decision not to reprieve a floored Grant Elliott after his run-out last night, can appeal in writing within 24 hours of the verdict. If the captain misses the final match of the NatWest Series on Saturday, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Alastair Cook are likely to be the main contenders to lead the side.