The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to give the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch an “unsatisfactory” rating for the fourth Test between Australia and England. Match referee Jeff Crowe is expected to issue a grading, as this was one of the shortest Test matches, with the match finishing in less than two days.
The Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was the second match of the ongoing Ashes and followed a similar pattern to the opening Test in Perth, finishing within two days. In both matches, the pitches provided ample support to the seam bowlers, making batting extremely challenging throughout.
ICC gives MCG pitch ‘unsatisfactory’ rating after Ashes test
The seam-heavy pitch prepared for the MCG Test has come under serious scrutiny. With about 10 mm of grass left on the surface, 36 wickets fell in just 142 overs and the match ended after only 852 balls. Notably, it became the first full Test in Australia in which spin was not used at all.
Match referee Jeff Crowe is set to give the MCG surface an “unsatisfactory” rating. Australian journalist Tom Morris reported that neither the ICC nor Cricket Australia were expected to challenge the decision. He also reported that the Perth Test had received “very good” ratings.
“The MCG pitch will be declared ‘unsatisfactory’ by match referee Jeff Crowe. This is now just a formality at the ICC and CA is not expected to appeal,” Morris wrote.
“The Perth pitch, which saw the fall of 19 wickets on the first day and finished the Test five balls earlier than the MCG, was rated ‘Very Good’. It is expected that this grading will become official in the next 24 hours.”
The MCG pitch would be graded ‘unsatisfactory’ by match referee Jeff Crowe.
This is now just a formality at the ICC and CA is not expected to appeal.
The Perth pitch, which saw 19 wickets fall on the first day and the Test ended five balls earlier than the MCG, was rated ‘very good’…
– Tom Morris (@tommorris32) 29 December 2025
ICC pitch rating system and potential sanctions explained
Australia suffered a crushing defeat in the Melbourne Test in many ways. The defeat was their first home defeat to England since 2011. The early finish also caused problems off the field, as Cricket Australia lost revenue as tickets sold out on the third day in advance.
If a pitch is judged below standard, it will be labeled “unsatisfactory” or “unfit”. An “unsatisfactory” surface gets one demerit point, while an “unsuitable” pitch gets three points. These points remain in the records for five years.
If a venue collects six demerit points in that period, it is banned from hosting international matches for 12 months. Twelve points will result in a two-year ban. A negative rating will still serve as a clear warning from the ICC to keep a close watch on the venue in future.
England achieved first test win in Australia after 15 years
The pitch helped the fast bowlers a lot from the beginning and 20 wickets fell on the first day. The fast bowlers of both Australia and England made full use of the lively surface.
Australia were all out for just 152 runs in the first innings, thanks to Josh Tongue’s five wickets. Australia counterattacked with the ball in the second innings, with Michael Neser and Scott Boland combining to help them take a modest lead of 42 runs.
The tone changed when England’s batsmen changed gears during the run chase. They attacked relentlessly and chased the target of 175 runs at a brisk run rate of 5.5 per over.
The successful chase gave England their first Test win on Australian soil in almost 15 years. However, Australia currently leads the series 3-1, with the final Test taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Also read: Usman Khawaja breaks silence on retirement after the final Ashes Test in Sydney
