The ICC has given the Perth Stadium pitch its top rating of “very good”, even though the Ashes Test finished in less than two days — the shortest since 1888.
Match referee Ranjan Madugalle said the pitch had good bounce, good carry and was fair for both teams. On the first day alone, 19 wickets fell, making it a very fast and exciting match for bowlers.
The entire Test lasted only 847 balls. Australia won by 7 wickets.
Mitchell Starc took 7 wickets for 58 runs to bowl out England on day one.
Ben Stokes then took 5 wickets as Australia also struggled.
On day two, England got a lead of over 100, but Scott Boland broke through again.
Australia needed 205 to win, and Travis Head smashed 123 from just 83 balls, guiding them to victory in only 29 overs.
Australian captain Steven Smith said the pitch actually became easier to bat on by the end of day two, similar to how Perth pitches behaved last season.
Cricket Australia Supports the Pitch Despite Revenue Loss
Cricket Australia said they were happy with the ICC’s rating.
Chief of cricket James Allsopp admitted they lost about AUD 3–4 million because the match ended early and fans had bought tickets for days three and four. But he said the game was full of excitement and showed high-quality cricket.
Now, all eyes are on next week’s day-night Test at the Gabba. Curator Dave Sandurski said the Brisbane pitch will be fairer and last longer, even though the hot weather may dry it out faster.
