The recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India has not only been a spectacle of high-quality cricket but also a testament to the exceptional pitch preparations across Australia. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its pitch ratings for the series, highlighting the outstanding quality of the playing surfaces.
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| Image Credits: The Statesman |
ICC Pitch Ratings Overview
In the revamped ICC pitch rating system, pitches are evaluated on a scale of four categories:
- Very Good
- Satisfactory
- Unsatisfactory
- Unfit
For the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, four out of the five-Test match venues received the highest rating of 'Very Good'. The venues for the first four Test matches got this highest rating.
- Perth Stadium
- Adelaide Oval
- The Gabba
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The fifth venue, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), received a 'Satisfactory' rating despite the match being over on the third day of the Test match. The amount of grass cover on the SCG pitch was the talking point throughout the Test which Sunil Gavaskar famously quoted as "Even cows can graze on this SCG surface".
Significance of the Ratings
The 'Very Good' rating signifies that the pitches provided a balanced contest between bat and ball, leading to results within the expected timeframe. This outcome reflects the curators' efforts to prepare surfaces that offer assistance to both batsmen and bowlers, ensuring an engaging and competitive match.
The 'Satisfactory' rating for the SCG indicates that, while the pitch met the minimum standards, it may not have offered the same level of balance as the 'Very Good' rated pitches. However, it still facilitated a result within the expected timeframe.
Conclusion:
The ICC's pitch ratings for the Border-Gavaskar underscore the high standards of pitch preparation in Australia. The 'Very Good' ratings for four of the five venues highlight the successful efforts of curators in creating surfaces that offer a fair and exciting contest between bat and ball. These ratings not only reflect the quality of the pitches but also enhance the reputation of Australian cricket grounds on the international stage.
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