ICC Declares MCG Pitch ‘Unsatisfactory’ After Two-Day Boxing Day Test

Dubai — The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as “unsatisfactory” following the fourth Ashes Test, which concluded in just two days. As a result, the venue has been handed one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

England secured victory in the match in under 32 hours of play, with a total of 36 wickets falling for 572 runs across 142 overs. The visitors won by four wickets in a contest dominated by bowlers. Notably, no batter from either side reached a half-century—an occurrence not seen in a Test match in Australia since 1932.

Jeff Crowe, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, explained the assessment, stating that the surface offered excessive assistance to bowlers. “With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day, and no batter even managing a half-century, the pitch did not meet the required guidelines. Accordingly, it has been rated ‘unsatisfactory’ and the venue receives one demerit point,” he said.

Cricket Australia’s Chief of Cricket, James Allsopp, expressed disappointment over the outcome, particularly for spectators. “We were disappointed for fans who had tickets for days three and four, as well as for the millions watching in Australia and around the world, that the pitch failed to deliver the MCG’s customary balance between bat and ball,” he said. Allsopp, however, praised the long-term efforts of the Melbourne Cricket Club ground staff and expressed confidence in their ability to prepare high-quality surfaces for future marquee Tests, including next year’s Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and the 150th Anniversary Test against England in March 2027.

In the match itself, England won the toss and chose to bat, with their pace attack making an immediate impact. Josh Tongue led the bowling effort with figures of 5 for 45 as Australia were bowled out for 152. England then struggled in similar conditions and were dismissed for 110 inside 30 overs, underscoring the difficulty of batting on the surface.

The rapid conclusion mirrored the earlier Perth Test, with spectators witnessing 36 wickets fall in just 142 overs. While England celebrated their first Test win on Australian soil since 2011, Australia had already retained the Ashes by winning the opening three Tests, leaving the series scoreline at 3–1.

The fifth and final Test of the Ashes series will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 4.

With inputs from IANS