The International Cricket Council (ICC) has delivered a stern verdict on the pitch prepared for the recent Ashes Test in Melbourne, declaring it unsatisfactory and penalising the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This decision comes after a match that concluded in just two days, with an overwhelming number of wickets falling to bowlers.
Match Referee's Report Highlights Imbalance
Following the conclusion of the fourth Test, match referee Jeff Crowe submitted his official assessment, which formed the basis of the ICC's action. Crowe concluded that the pitch offered "too much in favour of the bowlers," creating a contest heavily skewed away from the batsmen. The statistics from the match starkly support this view: a total of 36 wickets tumbled in a mere 142 overs, and not a single batter managed to score a half-century.
The ICC, in its official statement, confirmed the sanction: "The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the venue for the fourth Ashes Test, has been deemed ‘Unsatisfactory’ with the venue handed one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process." Crowe elaborated in his report, noting the dramatic fall of wickets—20 on the first day and 16 on the second—as clear evidence of the pitch's poor quality.
What the 'Unsatisfactory' Rating and Demerit Point Mean
This rating is a significant black mark for the MCG, which had enjoyed a "very good" rating for its previous three Boxing Day Tests. The ICC's pitch rating system has four tiers: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and unfit. An unsatisfactory rating is applied when a pitch fails to provide a fair battle between bat and ball, excessively favouring bowlers.
The accompanying demerit point carries long-term consequences. According to ICC regulations, if a venue accumulates six or more demerit points within a rolling five-year period, it faces a suspension from hosting international cricket for 12 months. This single point places the MCG on notice.
Financial Fallout and Broader Criticism
The premature finish of the Test match is set to hit Cricket Australia's finances hard. With the match ending on the second day, a sold-out crowd of over 90,000 expected for day three was left disappointed. The early conclusion will likely force refunds for ticket holders and result in substantial losses from merchandise, food, and beverage sales.
The pitch drew sharp criticism from stakeholders during the game itself. England captain Ben Stokes openly stated that such surfaces were "not good for the game." Cricket Australia also acknowledged the problem, admitting the situation was detrimental from a business perspective. Interestingly, the first Test of this Ashes series in Perth, which also finished inside two days, received a "very good" rating from the ICC, highlighting the subjective nature of these assessments.
Despite the chaotic pitch conditions, England managed to secure a four-wicket victory, reducing Australia's series lead to 3-1. The final Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Sydney on January 4.
