Dubai, Dec 29 (UNI) The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the venue for the fourth Ashes Test, has been deemed ‘Unsatisfactory’ with the venue handed one demerit point under the ICC
Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees delivered the verdict, explaining the decision behind the assessment of the pitch.
He stated, “The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was ‘Unsatisfactory’ as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point.”
England won the toss and put Australia in to bat, immediately putting pressure with a fierce pace attack. Josh Tongue spearheaded the effort, claiming 5/45 as Australia were bowled out for 152.
England looked to capitalise on the modest target but struggled to adapt to the challenging conditions themselves, being dismissed for 110 inside 30 overs.
Australia began their third innings on the opening day itself, which saw a total of 20 wickets fall. The trend continued in the second innings, with Australia managing to post 132, as England bowled relentlessly, helped by Travis Head’s 46, the highest score of the Test match.
England chased down the target in 32.2 overs, losing six wickets along the way, with valuable contributions from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell.
The fourth Ashes Test concluded after just two days of play, with spectators witnessing a total
of 36 wickets fall across only 142 overs and no batter managing to reach the 50-run mark.
Despite England securing their first Test victory on Australian soil since 2011, Australia have already retained the Ashes by winning the first three Tests to take an unassailable 3–0 lead.
The final Test of the series will be played in Sydney, beginning on January 4.
Melbourne Ashes pitch rated ‘unsatisfactory’ by ICC
