Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Dec 29: The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been officially rated “unsatisfactory” following the fourth Ashes Test, with the iconic venue receiving one demerit point under the ICC’s Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
The assessment came after England secured a four-wicket victory in a match that lasted less than 32 hours. A total of 36 wickets fell for just 572 runs across 142 overs, highlighting the extreme assistance offered to bowlers. Remarkably, not a single batter from either side managed to score a half-century — something that had not happened in a Test match in Australia since 1932.
Explaining the decision, Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees said the surface failed to provide a fair contest between bat and ball. “With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day, and no batter reaching fifty, the pitch was deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ under the guidelines,” he said, confirming the demerit point for the venue.
Cricket Australia (CA) acknowledged the disappointment caused by the nature of the contest. CA Chief of Cricket James Allsopp said fans who had tickets for days three and four, as well as viewers around the world, were let down by how quickly the match concluded. He noted that the pitch did not reflect the MCG’s traditional balance and praised the ground staff for producing high-quality surfaces in recent years. Allsopp expressed confidence that the venue would deliver top-class pitches for future marquee events, including next year’s Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and the 150th Anniversary Test against England in March 2027.
On the field, England chose to bat first after winning the toss but quickly asserted dominance with the ball. Josh Tongue led the attack with figures of 5 for 45 as Australia were bowled out for 152. England, however, also struggled in the challenging conditions and were dismissed for 110 within 30 overs, keeping the contest finely balanced.
The match followed a similar pattern to the Perth Test, ending inside two days and offering spectators relentless action but little longevity. England’s win marked their first Test victory on Australian soil since 2011, though Australia had already retained the Ashes by winning the opening three Tests, leaving the series scoreline at 3-1.
The fifth and final Test of the Ashes series is scheduled to begin at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4.