The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). They ruled the pitch at the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England as “sub-standard.” This is the first time the MCG reached this rating. It falls within the new enhanced grading system, officially launched in 2023. The sanction sheds light on the short- and long-term implications of pitch quality on the growth and development of the game.
The ICC released the damning rating at the end of an opening day’s play in which 20 wickets went tumbling. This clearly goes to show how bad the pitch really is. The MCG’s assigned rating is “unsatisfactory,” which is third out of four possible ratings. A pitch graded “unfit,” the lowest grade possible, would suggest a much worse problem. The MCG’s recent performance has particularly served to double down on criticism received earlier this year for delivering one of the most lacklustre pitches seen in Australia recently.
MCG curator Matt Page, responsible for the pitch in question, confessed he did not mow it short enough. He knew that this surplus grass could impact the game. His shocking admission has left many asking how major league teams are preparing their talent and managing their pitchers.
“The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers,” – Jeff Crowe
Crowe offered insight into the on-field dynamics. Plus, he continued, “Having 20 wickets on day one and 16 on day two, not one batter making a fifty. By the definition of the guidelines, that pitch was considered ‘Unsatisfactory’ and caused the venue to be awarded one demerit point. He noted that this kind of mound is not allowing an equal and equitable competition between bat and ball. It leans unfairly towards the bowlers, creating unfair wicket-taking opportunities for seamers and spinners alike.
England romped to a stunning four-wicket win in the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG. They played magnificently on conditions that were seethingly in favour of the bowlers. The controversial outcome has fanned the flames of debate around what are acceptable pitch standards at this level of international cricket.
Andrew McDonald, head coach of the Australian women’s national cricket team, vigorously defended Page. He pointed to Page’s leadership in raising the profile of the MCG.
“Sometimes these things can happen, but we support him in what he’s done and really proud of the evolution of the MCG.” – Andrew McDonald
McDonald highlighted the importance of encouraging Page to continue his work without fear of backlash: “We don’t want to scare him off and get back to where we were.”
Australian batsman and fellow left-handed opener Travis Head said he felt Page’s pain. He went on to label it “bloody tough” because of the nightmarish context that engulfed the match and its effect on Page’s career.
Cricket Australia officials are lining up to defend Page. James Allsopp and the rest of the team are 100% focused on helping him through this tough time. Under the revised grading rubric, a property can accumulate a maximum of six demerit points over a five-year period. Once it reaches that level, it risks a 12-month suspension from playing international games.
The MCG’s recent one-star rating tickling into being the biggest news of all. It’s the first time this has occurred since Dhaka, Bangladesh received a partial suspension for an ODI back in October. This incident should prompt significant discussions about how we develop pitches for play, especially in international contexts. It underscores the critical imperative to get better at managing what’s below ground.
