Ashes: Perth pitch rated 'very good' despite two-day Test
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given a 'very good' rating to the pitch used for the 1st Test in The Ashes in Perth. Ranjan Madugalle, the match referee, gave the rating. The ICC's four-tier rating system considers 'very good' as its highest mark, indicating that the pitch provided "good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce" throughout the two-day match. Only 847 balls were bowled in Perth, making it the second-shortest completed Test in Australia, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Controversy
Debate on modern batting and pitch expectations
The ICC's rating of the Perth Ashes Test pitch as 'very good' has sparked a debate on modern batting and pitch expectations. This comes after India's spin-friendly Kolkata Test faced scrutiny for its challenging playing conditions. The decision has drawn attention to the global scrutiny of pitches, especially considering India's three-day defeat to South Africa at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
Fair play
Rating justifies belief in Perth Stadium: CA chief
Cricket Australia's Chief of Cricket, James Allsopp, emphasized that the Ashes came alive with some incredible cricket in those two days. He said, "The match referee's 'very good' rating justifies our belief Perth Stadium produced a pitch that provided a fair balance between bat and ball." "The dominance of some brilliant pace bowling from both sides and the frenetic nature of the contest meant the match lasted only two days."
Match dynamics
How the Perth Test panned out
Batting first in Perth, England folded for 172, with Mitchell Starc claiming a career-best seven-fer. In response, Australia also lost wickets in a cluster to end their innings at 132. Five of these wickets went to Ben Stokes. England, in their second innings, managed 164/10 thanks to Gus Atkinson (37). Scott Boland trapped four batters. Australia then chased down 205, riding on Travis Head's record-breaking hundred. They won by eight wickets.
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Record affair in Perth
The Perth Test saw 19 wickets fall on the opening day itself, while the result was out on Day 2. The 847-ball affair made it the shortest Ashes Test (balls bowled) since 1888, according to ESPNcricinfo.