ICC hands down punishment for 'unsatisfactory' MCG pitch

[ad_1] The ICC has rated the MCG pitch for the Boxing Day Take a look at as "unsatisfactory", with the Melbourne wicket deemed the worst on the earth for any Take a look at in nearly two years.

On the identical day that coach Andrew McDonald urged Cricket Australia to not grow to be too overbearing on pitch preparation, ICC officers got here down exhausting on the wicket.

In a report submitted by match referee Jeff Crowe, the MCG pitch was dominated to favour bowlers an excessive amount of in England's face-saving win.

Throughout two days of cricket, a wicket fell on common each 23 balls, whereas the Take a look at was the primary in Australia to not have a batter cross 50 in 73 years.

MCG curator admits Take a look at pitch error MCC boss Stuart Fox staunchly defends chief curator Matt Web page after a wild Boxing Day Take a look at finishes inside two days.

The venue was additionally handed one demerit level, however that may seemingly imply little given it takes six over a five-year interval earlier than grounds are barred from internet hosting internationals.

However the fast end is predicted to value Cricket Australia (CA) greater than $10 million in missed income, with tickets refunded for a sold-out day three, and day 4 additionally nicely offered.

The "unsatisfactory" rating is the second-lowest on the ICC's four-level system, and marks the primary time it has been handed down since South Africa's two-day win over India in Cape City in January 2024.

"We have been upset for the followers holding tickets for days three and 4, and in addition the tens of millions of followers excited to observe the motion in Australia and all over the world, that the pitch didn't present the MCG's customary steadiness between bat and ball," CA chief of cricket James Allsopp stated.

"We admire the excellent work the MCC (Melbourne Cricket Membership) employees have completed over latest years producing wonderful Take a look at match pitches.

"We're assured they'll ship first-rate surfaces for subsequent yr's Boxing Day Take a look at in opposition to New Zealand and the massively anticipated one hundred and fiftieth Anniversary Take a look at in opposition to England in March 2027.''

The MCG's rating comes after the Perth pitch was handed the highest mark of "superb", after that match additionally completed inside two days.

It's the first time the identical collection has had a number of two-day Exams in 129 years.

Batting was nearly unattainable in Melbourne. ( Getty Photos: Quinn Rooney )

CA chief govt Todd Greenberg has steered the governing physique may step in to keep away from a repeat of this summer season, saying "quick Exams are unhealthy for enterprise".

Australia's curators have traditionally been given independence, with directions solely to provide their native venues "distinctive traits" as a part of their technique.

"I do not wish to get to a scenario … the place we're asking for particular surfaces and tailored," McDonald stated on the MCG on Monday.

"I do not assume Australia will ever go there, and I do not assume they've ever been there to my information."

McDonald defended head curator Matt Web page in opposition to critics, praising his efficiency in turning the MCG round from one of many dullest pitches in Australia.

Web page was poached from the WACA after the MCG pitch acquired a "poor" score when solely 24 wickets fell throughout 5 days in a uninteresting 2017 draw.

There hasn't been a drawn Take a look at on the MCG since then, when Alastair Prepare dinner batted for 10-and-a-half hours.

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The curator has already acquired the total backing of MCC boss Stuart Fox, the pair fronting a packed press convention collectively on Sunday.

Earlier than this summer season, the MCG was the one venue in Australia to be rated as "superb" in every of the earlier three seasons.

"Typically these items can occur, however we help him in what he is completed and are actually pleased with the evolution of the MCG," McDonald stated.