Alastair Cook, England's captain, said he would make a case for leniency to the ICC after his team's slow over rate - barrely 12 overs an hour - left him facing the possibility of a fine and suspension for the fourth ODI, writes Alan Gardner.

The Hambantota match was interrupted by a lengthy delay for rain, after which England overran by almost 20 minutes in completing their overs. If the match referee, David Boon, finds that to have been unacceptable then a ban is certain for Cook, as he has already been penalised within the last 12 months, during England's defeat to India at Cardiff.

"It will be what it will be. We'll plead our case," Cook said. "It is incredibly tough on a big ground, the ball going everywhere in the last few overs - and also how long it takes the batsman to come out. I don't know whether that will get me anywhere. We will see."
(Cricinfo)