ICC Labels MCG Pitch ‘Unsatisfactory’ After Boxing Day Test Ends in Two Days
Ashes Test Ends in Two Days with 36 Wickets ICC Hands MCG One Demerit Point for Bowler-Friendly Surface
Melbourne, Dec 29: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), used for the fourth Ashes Test, as “unsatisfactory,” issuing the venue one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
England defeated Australia in just under 32 hours, with 36 wickets falling for 572 runs across 142 overs, claiming a four-wicket victory to secure their first win of the series. The bowler dominated pitch meant no batter from either side managed a half-century a rare occurrence in Australian Test cricket not seen since 1932. Travis Head’s 46 in the second innings was the highest individual score.
Match referee Jeff Crowe, from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel, said:
“The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. With 20 wickets falling on day one and 16 on day two, and no batter reaching a half-century, the pitch is ‘Unsatisfactory’ as per ICC guidelines, earning the venue a demerit point.”
Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket James Allsopp expressed disappointment:
“Fans holding tickets for days three and four, and millions watching worldwide, were let down as the pitch did not provide the MCG’s customary balance between bat and ball. We trust the MCC staff will deliver first-rate surfaces for next year’s Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and the 150th Anniversary Test in March 2027.”
In the match, England pacer Josh Tongue starred with figures of 5 for 45, the first five-wicket haul by an England bowler at the MCG since 1998. England’s first-innings total of 110 allowed Australia to take a 42-run lead, but the batter-unfriendly surface ensured a swift conclusion.
Despite England’s win, Australia had already secured the Ashes, leading the series 3-1. The series concludes with the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting January 4.
