The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to rate the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch “unsatisfactory” for the fourth Test between Australia and England. Match referee Jeff Crowe is expected to issue the grading, as it was one of the shortest Tests, 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 wrapped up inside two days, following a similar pattern to the opening Test in Perth. In both matches, the pitches offered plenty of assistance to seam bowlers, making batting extremely challenging throughout.
ICC Gives ‘Unsatisfactory’ Rating to MCG Pitch After Ashes Test
The seam-heavy pitch prepared for the MCG Test has come under serious scrutiny. With around 10 mm of grass left on the surface, 36 wickets fell in just 142 overs, and the match ended after only 852 deliveries. Notably, it became the first completed Test in Australia in which spin was not used at all.
Match referee Jeff Crowe is set to rate 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 pointed out that the Perth Test received a “very good” rating.
“The MCG pitch will be graded ‘unsatisfactory’ by match referee Jeff Crowe. It’s just formalities now at the ICC and CA aren’t expected to appeal,” Morris wrote.
“The Perth pitch, which saw 19 wickets fall on day one and the Test finish five balls quicker than the MCG, was rated ‘very good.’ Expect this grading to be made official in the next 24 hours or so,” he added.
The MCG pitch will be graded ‘unsatisfactory’ by match referee Jeff Crowe.
It’s just formalities now at the ICC and CA aren’t expected to appeal.
The Perth pitch, which saw 19 wickets fall on day one and the Test finish five balls quicker than the MCG, was rated ‘very good.’…
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) December 29, 2025
ICC Pitch Rating System and Possible Sanctions Explained
Australia suffered a tough outcome from 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 pitch is rated below standard, it will be labelled either “unsatisfactory” or “unfit.” An “unsatisfactory” surface earns one demerit point, while an “unfit” pitch receives three. These points remain on record 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 would result in a two-year ban. A negative rating would still serve as a clear warning from the ICC and place the venue under closer watch in the future.
England Secure First Test Win in Australia After 15 Years
The pitch offered plenty of help to the fast bowlers right from the start, with 20 wickets falling on the opening day. Both Australia and England’s quicks made full use of the lively surface.
Josh Tongue’s five-wicket haul bowled Australia out for just 152 in the first innings. Australia hit back with the ball in the second innings, as Michael Neser and Scott Boland combined to help secure a narrow 42-run lead.
The tone changed during the run chase when England’s batters shifted gears. They attacked relentlessly and chased down a target of 175 at a rapid run rate of 5.5 an over.
The successful chase sealed England’s first Test victory on Australian soil in nearly 15 years. However, Australia are currently leading the series 3-1, with the final Test set to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Also read: Usman Khawaja breaks silence on retirement after final Ashes Test in Sydney
