The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitch on which the shortest Ashes Test in 137 years was played at Perth Stadium as ‘very good’. Ranjan Madugalle, the match referee, gave the pitch its rating.
According to the ICC’s four-tier pitch rating system, ‘very good’ is the highest rating. This rating is awarded when the pitch meets the following criteria: good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce throughout the game.
The first Test of the ongoing five-match Ashes series saw the match conclude in just two days, with a total of nineteen wickets falling on the first day of the series opener. Australia claimed victory, but the pitch was criticised for being bowler-friendly. However, the ICC has made it clear that the pitch itself bore no responsibility for the series of dismissals.
As the match ended in two days, James Allsop, Cricket Australia’s Chief of Cricket, said it was disappointing for fans who had tickets for Days 3 and 4.
“The match referee’s ‘very good’ rating justifies our belief that Perth Stadium produced a pitch offering a fair balance between bat and ball,” he said. “The dominance of some brilliant pace bowling from both sides and the frenetic nature of the contest meant the match lasted only two days. As always, we want to ensure pitches across Australia have their own characteristics, and we’re looking forward to another enthralling contest under lights at the Gabba starting next Thursday.”
For the two Tests between India and South Africa in Kolkata and Guwahati, the ICC has not yet published its pitch and outfield ratings.
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