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MCG pitch for Boxing Day Test - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, reports suggest that the ICC is set to punish the MCG pitch for the recent horror show in the Boxing Day Test. A debate emerged among fans and pundits after the fourth Ashes Test, which concluded in just two days.
A report from Fox Cricket mentioned that after days of debate and criticism, the ICC has made up their mind and has decided to penalise the MCG pitch with an “unsatisfactory” rating. For the unversed, it will be for the first time since the introduction of ICC’s current pitch rating system that an Australian ground has been labelled with an unsatisfactory rating.
ICC to fine one demerit point to the MCG pitch
For the uninitiated, the ICC has four categories of ratings. A “very good” rating is the highest of the four rating categories, with “satisfactory”, “unsatisfactory”, and “unfit” below it. Beside the rating, the International Cricket Council will also fine one demerit point to the MCG pitch.
If the ground accumulates six demerit points over a five-year period, it can be banned from hosting matches for 12 months.
Cricket Australia to not appeal against the verdict
The verdict is not out yet, but the report added that the decision will be made official within the next 24 hours. It also stated that Cricket Australia will not appeal against the verdict as they accept that the conditions were tough for the batters.
It is worth noting that since the game ended in two days, Cricket Australia suffered a massive financial loss as well. Cricket Australia is set to suffer a staggering £5 million loss, which is roughly 60.6 crore. That has been a massive setback for the side.
