The reason behind ICC’s ‘average’ rating was due to the uneven bounce that became more prevalent later in the match.
The Perth pitch received the lowest possible pass mark from the ICC. (Photo: Twitter/Cricketcomau)
Veteran Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson and Former England skipper Michael Vaughan have slammed International Cricket Council (ICC) for giving “average” rating to the pitch of the new Perth stadium.
The recently concluded second Test match between India and Australia, which Tim Paine’s side won by 146 runs, was played at the new Perth stadium. The green Perth pitch was proving to be advantageous to pace and bounce. The pitch was also unpredictable throughout the Test match.
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On Friday, Ranjan Madugalle, the ICC match referee, gave an ‘average’ rating to the pitch – the lowest pass mark given by ICC when they assess pitch and outfield of Test grounds.
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“Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG,” Johnson wrote on his official Twitter handle.
Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG 🏏 https://t.co/Q1vOYm6AaB
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
Michael Vaughan also took to the micro-blogging site to slam ICC’s decision.
“And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO…,” he wrote.
And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO .. https://t.co/c5jx99oQfO
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 21, 2018
The reason behind ICC’s ‘average’ rating was due to the uneven bounce that became more prevalent later in the match.
Disagreeing with the decision, Johnson said: “Inconsistent bounce use to happen a lot, the pitch is supposed to deteriorate. Is it any different to a pitch that spins a metre or more & stays low?”
The third Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting 27 December.
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