Ashes: ICC gives Melbourne pitch for Boxing Day Test second-worst rating

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday came down heavily on the Melbourne Cricket Ground after the fourth Ashes Test was wrapped up inside just two days, officially branding the pitch as “unsatisfactory”. The venue was also handed one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

Ben Duckett (R) is bowled by Mitchell Starc on the second day of the fourth Ashes cricket Test match between Australia and England at the MCG(AFP)

Jeff Crowe from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees explained the rationale behind his assessment of the pitch.