ICC Penalizes MCG with ‘Unsatisfactory’ Rating After Chaotic Two-Day Ashes Test

MELBOURNE – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially delivered a blow to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), rating its Boxing Day Test pitch as “unsatisfactory” following a game that lasted less than two days. Match referee Jeff Crowe confirmed the rating today, resulting in the iconic venue receiving one demerit point.

The decision comes after a dramatic Ashes encounter between Australia and England where the surface heavily favored the bowling attack. In a stunning display of instability, 20 wickets tumbled on the first day alone, followed by 16 on the second. Notably, not a single batsman from either side managed to score a half-century during the match.

Under the ICC’s pitch-rating guidelines, an "unsatisfactory" rating is handed out when a surface fails to provide an even contest, creating excessive wicket-taking opportunities for either spin or seam. This marks a sharp decline for the MCG, which had earned "very good" ratings for its previous three Boxing Day outings.

Financial and Structural Fallout The premature ending is expected to be a massive financial hit for Cricket Australia (CA), with projected losses reaching up to AUD 10 million in ticket revenue and broadcasting value.

MCG curator Matt Page expressed he was in a "state of shock" over the result. Page had opted to leave 10mm of grass on the surface to counter a forecast of extreme heat for the later days of the match. However, the gamble backfired, leading to a "firestorm" of criticism regarding the surface’s preparation.

Cricket Australia Responds Despite the setback, Cricket Australia’s Chief of Cricket, James Allsopp, expressed confidence in the ground staff. "We are disappointed for the fans, but we appreciate the outstanding work the MCC staff have done over recent years," Allsopp said. He added that CA remains certain the venue will deliver "first-rate surfaces" for next year’s Test against New Zealand and the historic 150th Anniversary Test in 2027.

The demerit point remains active for a rolling five-year period. If a venue accumulates five demerit points, it faces a 12-month suspension from hosting international cricket.