ICC rates Ashes Boxing Day Test pitch at MCG 'unsatisfactory'

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the wicket used for the Boxing Day Test between England and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as "unsatisfactory" in the aftermath of a two-day finish.

The two-day finish also robbed Cricket Australia of the opportunity to generate substantial gains in terms of revenue after the opening day of the Test saw 94199 fans turn up to watch the game - the largest crowd ever recorded for a game of cricket at the venue.

"The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers," Jeff Crowe, who officiated the game as match referee, was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "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."

Cricket Australia expresses disappointment over early finish at MCG

Cricket Australia chief of cricket James Allsopp admitted that the pitch couldn't provide the "customary balance between bat and ball" and denied fans an opportunity to watch an enthralling contest between two historic rivals.

"We were disappointed for the fans holding tickets for days three and four, and also the millions of fans excited to watch the action in Australia and around the world, that the pitch did not provide the MCG's customary balance between bat and ball," James Allsopp, Cricket Australia (CA) chief of cricket, said in a statement.

"We appreciate the outstanding work the MCC staff have done over recent years, producing excellent Test match pitches. We're confident they will deliver first-rate surfaces for next year's Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and the hugely anticipated 150th Anniversary Test against England in March 2027."

Australia are leading the series 3-1, and a defeat at the 'G' denied them the chance to inch closer to a clean sweep. The win at the MCG was England's first in an Ashes Test in Australia after 5468 days.