The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to describe the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as “unsatisfactory” for the fourth Test between Australia and England. Match referee Jeff Crowe is expected to issue the rankings as this was one of the shorter tests with the match finishing in less than two days.
The Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was the second Ashes match in progress and was completed in two days, following a similar pattern to the opening Test in Perth. In both matches, the pitches offered a lot of help to the bowlers, making batting extremely difficult throughout.
ICC rates MCG pitch ‘unsatisfactory’ after Ashes Test
The seam-laden pitch prepared for the MCG test was subjected to careful examination. With about 10mm of grass left on the surface, 36 wickets fell in just 142 overs and the match ended after just 852 deliveries. Notably, this is the first test conducted in Australia in which rotation was not used at all.
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Match referee Jeff Crowe is expected to describe the MCG surface as “unsatisfactory”. Australian journalist Tom Morris reported that neither the ICC nor Cricket Australia are expected to challenge the decision. He also highlighted that the Perth test received a “very good” rating.
“The MCG pitch will be deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ by match referee Jeff Crowe. These are mere formalities at the ICC and AC is not expected to appeal,” Morris wrote.
“The Perth ground, which saw 19 wickets fall on the first day and the Test finish five balls faster than the MCG, has been rated ‘very good’. Expect this rating to be made official in the next 24 hours,” he added.
The MCG’s pitch was deemed “unsatisfactory” by match referee Jeff Crowe.
These are now just formalities at the ICC and CA is not expected to appeal.
The Perth ground, which saw 19 wickets fall on the first day and the Test finish five balls faster than the MCG, was rated “very good”.…
-Tom Morris (@tommorris32) December 29, 2025
The ICC pitch evaluation system and possible sanctions explained
Australia suffered a difficult result in the Melbourne Test in more ways than one. The defeat was their first home loss to England since 2011. The early finish also created problems off the field, as Cricket Australia lost revenue with the third day already sold out.
If the location is found to be substandard, it will be labeled “unsatisfactory” or “unsuitable.” An “unsatisfactory” surface earns one demerit point, while an “unsuitable” pitch receives three. These points remain recorded for five years.
If a venue earns six demerit points during this period, it is banned from hosting international matches for 12 months. Twelve points would result in a two-year ban. A negative rating would nevertheless constitute a clear warning from the ICC and place the venue under closer surveillance in the future.
England win first Test in Australia after 15 years
The pitch provided plenty of help to the fast bowlers early on, with 20 wickets falling on the opening day. The Australian and English quicks took full advantage of the lively surface.
Josh Tongue’s five-wicket haul bowled out Australia for just 152 in the first innings. Australia fought back with the ball in the second inning, as Michael Neser and Scott Boland combined to help secure a narrow 42-run lead.
The tone changed during the chase as England’s batters changed gear. They attacked relentlessly and chased down a target of 175 at a rapid run rate of 5.5 per year.
The successful chase sealed England’s first Test victory on Australian soil in almost 15 years. However, Australia currently leads the series 3-1, with the final Test scheduled to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Also read: Usman Khawaja breaks silence on retirement after last Ashes Test in Sydney
