Gavaskar Questions ICC’s Pitch Ratings After Short Ashes Test
Renowned Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for what he sees as unfair pitch rating practices. He pointed out that the pitch at the recent fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne is expected to receive a “good” rating, even though the match wrapped up in just two days.
On the first day of the Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a remarkable 20 wickets fell—marking the highest number of wickets on Day 1 of a Test in Australia since 1951. An additional 16 wickets fell on the second day, leading to the completion of the match in just 142 overs.
Reflecting on the match’s conclusion, Gavaskar noted that the pitch for the first Ashes Test in Perth had been deemed “very good,” despite that match also ending in under two days. He expressed skepticism towards the ICC, suggesting that the change in match referee from Ranjan Madugalle to Jeff Crowe might lead to different ratings.
“Since there’s a new match referee for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, the rating could differ. In Melbourne, with 36 wickets falling compared to 32 in Perth, Crowe might change the rating from ‘very good’ to just ‘good.’ Surprises are always possible, so we might see some unexpected ratings,” Gavaskar mentioned in his column.
He also took a light-hearted jab at Indian pitch curators, noting how ICC referees often portray their pitches negatively. “While the curators can make mistakes, they aren’t as tricky as those ‘horrible groundsmen’ in India who don’t prepare proper pitches for batters,” he quipped.
This Melbourne Test became the third-shortest Test ever played in Australia, with just 852 balls bowled. The only two shorter matches were the first Test of the series in Perth and a historic 1932 match between Australia and South Africa.
After the game, both captains, Steve Smith and Ben Stokes, voiced their concerns about a pitch that heavily favored bowlers. Many former players and commentators shared similar thoughts, worrying about the excess support given to seam bowlers.
With only one match left in the series, set to take place in Sydney on January 4, it will be interesting to see the type of pitch the curator prepares. Notably, the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024-25 also concluded in less than three days.
