The pitch at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been formally branded "unsatisfactory" by cricket's global governing body following a whirlwind Ashes Test that concluded in less than two full days of play.
ICC Delivers Damning Verdict
Match referee Jeff Crowe delivered the critical assessment from the International Cricket Council (ICC), pinpointing a surface that gave bowlers an excessive advantage. The statistics from the chaotic fourth Test, which saw England triumph over Australia, starkly illustrated the problem. A remarkable 20 wickets tumbled on the opening day, with a further 16 falling on the second. Not a single batsman from either side could muster a score of fifty or more, underscoring the treacherous batting conditions.
Shock, Criticism and Financial Fallout
The abrupt finish on Monday, 29 December 2025, left head curator Matthew Page in a "state of shock". The pitch also drew sharp criticism from England's captain, Ben Stokes, and former skipper Michael Vaughan. The official 'unsatisfactory' rating carries an immediate consequence: one demerit point for the MCG venue. The financial impact is even more severe, with Cricket Australia staring at an estimated loss of £5 million due to ticket refunds and lost ancillary revenue from the prematurely ended match.
A Contrast in Rulings as Series Nears End
This decision stands in sharp contrast to another recent two-day Test. A match in Perth just last month received a "very good" rating from ICC officials, highlighting that the speed of a game alone is not the defining factor. The focus now shifts to Sydney, where England, still trailing 3-1 in the series, will prepare for the final Ashes encounter hoping for a more balanced contest between bat and ball.
