The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finally announced the pitch ratings for the opening match of Ashes 2025-26 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
There was a heated clash in Perth between the host Australia national cricket team and the visiting England national cricket team and the Test match ended within two days (21 and 22 November).
ICC gives ‘very good’ rating to Perth Test pitch
Electing to bat after winning the toss, the Three Lions were all out for 172 in 32.5 overs as Mitchell Starc burst onto the line-up with an impressive 7 wickets in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
However, many blamed the pitch for excessively favoring the bowlers as Australia were all out for 132 in just 45.2 overs in their first innings.
It was then England’s turn to bat again and despite the pitch being very well arranged, the buzzbowlers became overly aggressive and were bowled out for 164 runs in 34.4 overs.
Australia were given a target of 205 runs to chase and they easily crossed the finish line with the help of Travis Head’s innings and Marnus Labuschagne’s brilliant half-century, winning by 8 wickets. Overall, 847 balls were bowled in the match making it the second shortest completed Test in Australia.
Even though the match lasted only two days and 19 wickets fell on the first day, ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle gave the pitch a “Very Good” rating, the highest rating for a track set by the ICC.
Perth Stadium created a pitch that provides appropriate balance – James Allsopp on ICC decision
The two-day Test match in Perth meant that Cricket Australia (CA) lost approximately AU$3–4 million. However, Cricket Australia chief of cricket James Allsopp was happy to see the ICC pitch rating.
“The match referee’s “very good” rating justifies our confidence that Perth Stadium has provided a pitch that provides the appropriate balance between bat and ball,” Cricket Australia chief James Allsopp was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.
“The match lasted only two days due to the dominance of some superb fast bowling from both sides and the fierce nature of the contest.
“It was disappointing for fans who held tickets for Days 3 and 4, but we saw some incredible moments that captivated huge numbers of spectators and will inspire even more kids to pick up a bat and ball this summer.”
What will be the pitch for Gaba test?
Australia and England will clash at the Gabba in Brisbane in the second Test, which will be a day-night contest and it will be interesting to see what kind of surface will be on offer. James Allsopp said he wanted to create a surface that “has its own character”.
“As always, we want to ensure that pitches across Australia have their own characteristics and we’re looking forward to another exciting contest under the lights at the Gabba from next Thursday,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brisbane curator Dave Sandurski said they will try to create a surface that is helpful to both batsmen and bowlers.
“All indications are that there is a bit of heat around. The wicket will dry out very quickly so you have to make sure you keep enough moisture in it for five days,” he said.
“We try to keep our wickets fairly uniform for four- and five-day cricket. The aim is to provide a wicket where all players have the opportunity to showcase their skills, so hopefully all aspects of the game will come to the fore in the match.”
Also read: Gautam Gambhir becomes India’s worst Test coach ever; Greg Chappell down after biggest defeat against South Africa – ICC
