New Delhi, 29 December (H.S.): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch used for the fourth Test of the 2025–26 Ashes Series as “unsatisfactory.” The assessment follows widespread criticism from cricket experts and former players after the Boxing Day Test ended in just two days.The match saw England defeat Australia by four wickets, marking England’s first Test victory on Australian soil in 15 years.

Despite the loss, Australia continues to lead the five-Test series 3–1.Under the ICC’s four-tier pitch rating system, “unsatisfactory” falls into the third category, signifying pitches that fail to provide a fair contest between bat and ball.

According to ICC guidelines, such surfaces offer excessive assistance to bowlers, whether seam or spin, leading to disproportionately high wicket-taking conditions and short matches.The latest verdict is particularly notable as the Melbourne pitch had received “very good” ratings for the past three consecutive Boxing Day Tests.

However, it failed to meet international standards this year after producing uneven bounce and unpredictable movement, prompting concern from players and spectators alike.Reacting to the development, Cricket Australia’s Chief of Cricket, James Allsopp, expressed disappointment over the quality of the surface.

“We feel deeply sorry for those spectators who held tickets for days three and four, as well as for the millions of fans in Australia and around the world who were eager to watch an extended contest,” he said. “The pitch failed to live up to the traditional MCG reputation of providing an even balance between bat and ball.”

MCG’s long-serving pitch curator, Matt Page, also voiced his frustration and disbelief after the match. “I was completely shocked,” Page said. “I’ve never seen a Test like that before, and I truly hope I never see one again. What happened over those two days was nothing short of a rollercoaster.”

The abrupt end of the Melbourne Test has reignited the global debate over pitch preparation standards and the future of Test cricket, with experts emphasizing the need for sustainable wicket management that preserves both competitiveness and spectator appeal.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar