MCG pitch rated 'poor' after a dull Ashes Test draw
In a first ever instance for an Australian international pitch, the ICC has rated the MCG pitch for 4th Ashes Test as "poor". The dull Boxing Day Test saw just 24 wickets taken over five days. Cricket Australia has 14 days to respond to ICC which can impose punishment ranging from a formal warning to a fine of $15,000.
MCG, birthplace of Test cricket
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is an iconic venue of cricketing world, where the first ever Test match took place in 1877. It also hosted the Cricket World Cup finals in 1991 and 2015. Boxing Day Test, at this historic ground, only adds to the significance of the match often considered by many as the cricket season's pinnacle event.
Nature of the MCG pitch
Tests at the MCG have been played on drop-in pitches since the beginning of 21st century and typically started with dampness under the surface which ensured early assistance for bowlers before it dried enough to offer variable pace and bounce to challenge batsmen.
Smith and Root criticize the MCG pitch
After a dull draw of 4th Ashes Test, the MCG pitch was criticized by both Australian and England sides. Calling it the flattest wicket he ever played on, Aussie captain Steve Smith said that it didn't change for 5 days and "If we played for next two days it wouldn't change." England captain Joe Root also pointed out the lack of pace and spin.
Match referee's assessment
"The bounce of the MCG pitch was medium, but slow in pace and got slower as match progressed...the nature of the pitch did not change over the five days and there was no natural deterioration...didn't allow an even contest between the bat and the ball."
