The Eden Gardens pitch, where the match between India and South Africa finished inside three days, has officially been rated ‘satisfactory’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In November, Eden Gardens hosted the first Test of the two-match series, which was won by South Africa. The pitch drew considerable criticism from different corners of the world. Variable bounce and sharp turn were the defining characteristics of the Eden surface. Despite all the discussion surrounding the nature of the wicket and the early end to the match, the pitch has avoided demerit points. According to the ICC, ‘satisfactory’ is the second level in its four-tier pitch rating system. It is pertinent to note that the ICC rates pitches on a scale ranging from very good to unfit: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory and unfit.
Recently, pitches in Australia also came under scrutiny. Perth Stadium, which hosted the first Ashes Test, was given a ‘very good’ rating despite the match ending inside two days, as the pitch offered decent carry. Meanwhile, the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ after 36 wickets fell in a match that England won within the first two days.
For an unsatisfactory rating, a venue is awarded one demerit point, and three points for an unfit rating. If a venue accumulates five demerit points within a five-year period, it will be barred from hosting international cricket for a year.
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