The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch, hosting the fourth Ashes Test, has been labeled as ‘unsatisfactory,’ resulting in the venue receiving one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. England clinched victory in the Test within 32 hours, witnessing 36 wickets fall for 572 runs off 142 overs, with England winning by four wickets. Notably, no player from either team managed to score a half-century, a rare occurrence in Australian Test matches since 1932.
Jeff Crowe, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, elaborated on the pitch evaluation, highlighting that the MCG pitch favored bowlers excessively. With a total of 20 wickets tumbling on the first day and 16 on the second day, coupled with no batsman reaching a half-century, the pitch was deemed ‘Unsatisfactory’ as per the stipulated guidelines, leading to the venue receiving one demerit point. James Allsopp, CA Chief of Cricket, expressed disappointment over the pitch’s imbalance, affecting the fans and viewers globally. He acknowledged the efforts of the MCC staff in producing quality Test match pitches in recent years and expressed confidence in delivering top-notch surfaces for upcoming matches.
England, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, exerted early dominance through a robust pace attack, with Josh Tongue spearheading the bowling with figures of 5/45, restricting Australia to 152. Despite a modest target, the visitors struggled under challenging conditions, collapsing for 110 within 30 overs. The fourth Ashes Test concluded swiftly in two days, mirroring the Perth Test, witnessing a total of 36 wickets falling in just 142 overs. While England secured their first Test victory on Australian soil since 2011, the hosts had already retained the Ashes by winning the initial three Tests, leading the series 3-1. The final Test of the series is scheduled at the Sydney Cricket Ground, commencing on January 4.
