Despite criticism from Gavaskar and Smith, Sydney Cricket Ground pitch rated 'satisfactory' by ICC

The Sydney Cricket Ground pitch courted criticism from the Australian and India cricket fraternity as the final India-Australia Test ended inside three days but the pitch has been rated 'satisfactory' by the ICC.

While all other pitches were rated 'good,' SCG pitch was the only one to get 'satisfactory' rating. Image: AP

FirstCricket Staff|Jan 08, 2025, 13:35:39 IST

Despite criticism from all quarters, the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch that resulted in the final India-Australia Test getting over in less than three days has been rated 'satisfactory' by the International Cricket Council. None of the teams were able to touch the 200-run mark in the SCG Test which Australia won by six wickets to clinch the five-match Test series 3-1 against India and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years.

Gavaskar had slammed SCG pitch

The highest team total was 185 from India in the first innings of the match. Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar minced no words when he blasted the pitch for having too much grass. “I did say that when we saw the pitch yesterday, the cows could have gone and grazed on it," he said on ABC Radio. “This is not the ideal Test match pitch that you want because you want it to go into a fourth and fifth day. Unless there is rain I don’t see us being here on day four.”

No demerit points for Sydney pitch

The ICC, however, was satisfied with the nature of the pitch offered at the Sydney Cricket Ground even if the match did not last four days. A 'satisfactory' rating means SCG will not be handed any demerit points. Demerit points are only given when a pitch is rated ‘unsatisfactory’ or ‘unfit’.

The other four pitches in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been given a 'very good' rating. These four pitches include the tracks at Perth Stadium, Adelaide Oval, Gabba, and Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In 2023, the ICC streamlined its pitch rating system, reducing the categories from six to four: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and unfit.

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