MCG pitch for Boxing Day Test rated ‘unsatisfactory’:ICC delivers verdict after Melbourne Test ended in two days; venue gets one demerit point

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch has been officially rated ‘unsatisfactory’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England, which ended in just two days. The decision was confirmed on the ICC’s official website. The match drew strong attention as it saw extreme bowling dominance, with batters struggling throughout. A total of 36 wickets fell in only 142 overs, and not a single batter managed to score a half-century. Such conditions raised serious concerns about the balance between bat and ball. Due to these factors, the ICC concluded that the pitch was overly favourable to bowlers, resulting in a one-sided contest. As a result, the iconic venue has been handed one demerit point, which will remain on record for the next five years under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. ICC explains the decision over the Melbourne Cricket Club Match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel explained the reasoning behind the verdict. He said the pitch provided an unfair advantage to bowlers and directly influenced the unusually short duration of the Test match. “The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was ‘Unsatisfactory’ as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point,” said Jeff Crowe, as quoted by ICC’s website. Notably, all 36 wickets were taken by fast bowlers, underlining how difficult batting conditions were across both innings. How the match unfolded in the Boxing Day Test England won the toss and chose to bat first, but immediately used the lively conditions to their advantage with the ball. Josh Tongue starred for England, taking 5 wickets for 45 runs, as Australia were bowled out for just 152. Michael Neser was Australia’s top scorer with 35 runs. England, however, found batting just as challenging. They were dismissed for 110 in under 30 overs, with only three players reaching double figures. Harry Brook’s 41 was the highest score for the visitors in the innings. Australia’s second innings also collapsed quickly. Despite Travis Head scoring 46, the highest individual score of the match, Australia were bowled out for 132. England’s Brydon Carse took four wickets, while captain Ben Stokes picked up three. ICC had given ‘good’ rating after Perth Test ended in two days The ICC had earlier given a ‘good’ rating to the pitch used for the Perth Test after that match had ended in two days as well. Australia had emerged victorious in that Test, with Travis Head and Mitchell Starc being the best performers for the home side. England end 14-year drought despite Ashes loss Chasing 175, England completed the target in 32.2 overs, losing six wickets. Zak Crawley (37), Ben Duckett (34) and Jacob Bethell (40) played key roles in the successful chase. This victory marked England’s first Test win in Australia since 2011. However, Australia had already secured the Ashes series by winning the first three Tests, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead.