The cricket world has witnessed the fastest Ashes Test in 137 years. In Perth’s two-day “shootout,” 19 wickets fell on the first day alone. That pitch has been rated “very good” by the ICC.
The question is: the India vs South Africa Test at Kolkata ended in just two and a half days. What has the ICC said about the Eden Gardens pitch?
So far, the ICC has not made a single comment about the Eden pitch. The pitch stirred plenty of controversy, as South Africa won the Test in just two and a half days. While chasing just 124, India collapsed for 93. Earlier, West Indies had played Tests in India at Ahmedabad and Delhi both finishing in three and five days. The ICC rated both pitches “satisfactory.”
But the Perth pitch, where the Ashes Test ended in just two days, was rated “very good” by the match referee. According to him, the match showcased excellent balance between bat and ball.
So what qualifies a pitch for a “very good” ICC rating? A pitch with consistent early bounce and good carry to the bat is rated “very good.”
But how did a pitch where a four-innings Test ended in just 847 balls receive such a rating?
Cricket Australia chief James Allsopp welcomed the ICC’s decision, saying, “This rating shows that Perth offered a fair contest between bat and ball. Both teams bowled exceptionally well, and that’s why the match ended in two days.”
Notably, this was the first Ashes Test since 1888 to end in less than two days.
