Cricket Australia expresses disappointment following 'unsatisfactory' MCG pitch rating

ICC Match referee Jeff Crowe has reportedly handed down his pitch rating of the MCG following the fourth Ashes Test, according to SEN's Tom Morris.

In recent days, the pitch has generated plenty of controversy with the Test match being concluded within two days with 36 wickets being lost.

As a result of the tough conditions, MCG curator Matt Page would put his hand up and admit that the pitch had "favoured the bowlers".

This would be backed by software company CricViz, which gave an 8.9 out of 10 in terms of difficulty to bat on.

That was the highest rating that the company has given to any Australian pitch since they began recording this stat back in 2006.

Following that, the ICC have deemed the pitch 'unsatisfactory', which is considered to be substandard. Out of the four possible grades the MCG could have received, this is the second-worst rating.

With this rating, it also opens the door for the ICC to possibly place sanctions on the 100,000+ seat venue, having now fallen below a satisfactory rating.

It appears unlikely that Cricket Australia will appeal the ruling.

In a subsequent statement, Cricket Australia's Chief of Cricket, James Allsopp, expressed his disappointment for fans not being able to attend Day 3 and 4 as a result.

He is confident of the MCG pitch improving for the next Boxing Day Test and beyond.

“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," he said.

“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 NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and the hugely anticipated 150th Anniversary Test against England in March 2027."