The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the fourth Ashes Test was held, has been rated as ‘unsatisfactory’, earning the venue one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
Match summary
England triumphed in the fourth Ashes Test in under 32 hours, with a total of 36 wickets falling for 572 runs across 142 overs. England secured a victory by four wickets, marking a rare occurrence where no player from either team reached a half-century—a feat not seen in a Test match in Australia since 1932.
Pitch assessment
Jeff Crowe from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees detailed the pitch evaluation. He noted, “The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. 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.”
James Allsopp, CA Chief of Cricket, expressed disappointment, stating, “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. We appreciate the outstanding work the MCC staff have done over recent years, producing excellent Test match pitches.”
Match highlights
- England won the toss and chose to bat, setting early pressure with a formidable pace attack.
- Josh Tongue was instrumental, leading the bowling effort with figures of 5/45 as Australia was dismissed for 152.
- Struggling to adapt to the challenging conditions, the visitors managed only 110 runs inside 30 overs.
The fourth Ashes Test concluded in just two days, reminiscent of the Perth Test, with spectators witnessing a total of 36 wickets fall in only 142 overs.
Despite England’s victory being their first Test win on Australian soil since 2011, the hosts have already retained the Ashes, having won the first three Tests. The series currently stands at 3-1.
The final Test of the series is scheduled at the Sydney Cricket Ground, beginning on January 4.