Overview
- Match referee Richie Richardson rated Eden Gardens in Kolkata 'satisfactory' despite the three-day Test on a sharply turning, inconsistent surface.
- The ACA Stadium surface in Guwahati was graded 'very good', even as South Africa won there by 408 runs to seal a 2–0 series victory.
- MCG’s Boxing Day Ashes pitch was deemed 'unsatisfactory' by match referee Jeff Crowe, handing the venue one demerit point.
- The ICC assessments mean the Indian venues avoid punitive action, while the MCG enters the demerit system with an official strike.
- India’s coaches offered contrasting explanations for the Kolkata wicket, with Gautam Gambhir defending the surface and Sitanshu Kotak calling the turn and crumbling unexpected.