ICC deemed the MCG fourth Test pitch for the 2025-26 Ashes ‘unsatisfactory’ on December 29. In accordance with the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, the venue also received one penalty point.
Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees declared the outcome while outlining the reasoning behind it.
The ICC quoted Crowe as saying, “The pitch was ‘Unsatisfactory’ according to the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point. Twenty wickets fell on the first day, sixteen on the second, and no batter even reached a half-century.”
“The bowlers had too much advantage on the MCG pitch.
The match ended in just 852 deliveries, making it the fourth-shortest Ashes Test by balls, for those who are unaware. Due to the grass lying on the deck, no hitter was able to get themselves set on a pitch that was ideal for bowling, therefore the series-opening match in Perth took 847 balls, five fewer deliveries than the MCG contest.
On Day 1, Australia and England each finished their opening innings. England won by four wickets in the third session of the day after the tourists gave up a 46-run advantage by the end of the first day’s play and 16 more wickets on the second day. Josh Tongue’s seven wickets (5/45 and 2/44) earned him Player of the Match.
There were just three players who scored more than 40 runs. Similar events occurred in the first Test, but the result was different because Australia had won by eight wickets in a low-scoring match in Perth. The Sydney Cricket Ground will host the series’ fifth and final game on January 4. The series is currently 3-1 in favour of the hosts.
Home