Overview:
Under the assessment rules, very good is the highest rating, given to pitches offering good carry, limited movement, consistent bounce, and ensuring a fair contest between bat and ball.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given a very good rating to the Perth pitch despite the match ending in two days. A total of 19 wickets fell on the opening day of the game at the Optus Stadium. The verdict has come out after Australia registered an eight-wicket win over England, with Travis Head scoring a sensational hundred in the fourth innings.
The official announcement has started debate over batting techniques, pitches, and the global attention on tracks following India’s three-day defeat to South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Under the assessment rules, very good is the highest rating, given to pitches offering good carry, limited movement, consistent bounce, and ensuring a fair contest between bat and ball. Despite the Test lasting for 847 deliveries, ICC match referee Andy Pycroft found that the pitch met the criteria for a top rating.
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first. However, England were dismissed for 172, with Mitchell Starc taking 7 wickets for 58 runs. Australia were bundled out for 132 runs in their first attempt. England had a chance to put the hosts out of the game, but they managed just 164 in the second innings. Australia were unstoppable while chasing 205 runs, with Head amassing 123 runs off 83 balls, with the help of 16 fours and 4 sixes.
The focus then shifted to Kolkata after India failed to chase 124 runs. The sub-continent team was dismissed for 93 runs. While the ICC hasn’t revealed its rating for the Eden Gardens surface, India’s coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch.
Starc, who was the Player of the Match for taking 10 wickets, said that the attacking mindset of the batters led to an early finish in Perth. England captain Ben Stokes mentioned that the pitch offered a lot, but it rewarded positive play. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were also satisfied with the surface.
Cricket Australia head James Allsopp welcomed the ICC rating, saying the verdict proved that the Perth pitch was fair to both teams. Australia will now face England in a pink-ball Test in Brisbane.