Sunil Gavaskar Sarcastically Questions ICC Pitch Ratings After AUS vs ENG Ashes 2025-26 Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Ends in Two Days

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has sarcastically criticized the International Cricket Council's (ICC) pitch rating system, questioning its efficacy after a recent Test match in Melbourne concluded dramatically within two days. Gavaskar’s comments underscore a broader debate about the balance between bat and ball in Test cricket and the criteria used to assess playing surfaces. MCG Pitch Receives 'Unsatisfactory' Rating From ICC After Australia vs England 4th Ashes 2025-26 Test Match Ends in Two Days.

The swift conclusion of the Melbourne Test has reignited discussions among former players and analysts regarding the nature of pitches, especially those that offer excessive assistance to bowlers from the outset, leading to truncated matches. Amid this, Sunil Gavaskar has pointed out different responses to a Test match finishing early in India and in Australia.

Sunil Gavaskar Gavaskar's Critique

Speaking publicly, Gavaskar used sarcasm to express his dismay at the rapid end to the Test, suggesting that the ICC's current pitch rating methodology may be insufficient in accurately reflecting the quality and sporting nature of a wicket. He implied that pitches resulting in such short matches should be scrutinized more rigorously by the global governing body.

“Another Test match in Australia has finished in less than two days of cricket. The Australian Cricket Board’s CEO says it is not good business, and most, if not all, cricket fans in the sub-continent (read India) are screaming blue murder about the quality of the pitch given in Melbourne. They were astonished when the first Test match pitch in Perth was given a very good rating by the match referee Ranjan Madugalle," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. His remarks particularly resonate in the context of upcoming high-profile series, including the Ashes 2025-26, where pitch conditions are often a significant talking point.

The Melbourne Test Incident

The Test match in question, played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), saw bowlers dominate proceedings from the first session, with a significant number of wickets falling across both innings. The early finish, a rarity for a Test match, especially at a major venue, has prompted calls for a re-evaluation of pitch preparation and its impact on the spectacle of five-day cricket.

While specific details of the pitch report from the ICC are yet to be widely published, Gavaskar's intervention highlights a sentiment that such surfaces, regardless of official ratings, detract from the game's longevity and competitive balance.

Understanding ICC Pitch Ratings

The ICC employs a system to rate pitches after every international match, classifying them from "Very Good" to "Unfit." Categories include "Average," "Below Average," and "Poor," with various sanctions, including demerit points and potential bans, for venues repeatedly producing substandard pitches.

A "Poor" rating is typically given to pitches that offer excessive assistance to either batsmen or bowlers, or behave inconsistently, making fair competition difficult. Gavaskar's criticism suggests that even pitches not officially deemed "poor" might still be detrimental to the game if they lead to overly short matches.

Broader Implications for Test Cricket

The debate over pitch quality is not new. In recent years, several Test matches have concluded within three days or less, prompting discussions about the balance between encouraging results and ensuring a fair contest that extends over a reasonable period. Former players and purists often advocate for pitches that gradually deteriorate, offering something for all departments of the game across five days. England Breaks 14-Year Drought With Controversial Two-Day Victory in AUS vs ENG Ashes 4th Test 2025–26.

Gavaskar's comments serve as a timely reminder to cricket administrators about the importance of pitch preparation in safeguarding the integrity and appeal of Test cricket, particularly as anticipation builds for future marquee series like the Ashes. The discussion is expected to continue as cricket boards and the ICC review pitch standards globally.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2025 04:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).