Overview
- Match referee Richie Richardson rated the Eden Gardens surface for the first India–South Africa Test as satisfactory, leaving the venue without sanctions despite a three‑day finish and sharp turn with inconsistent bounce.
- The ACA Stadium track in Guwahati, which hosted its first Test, received a very good rating, with South Africa winning by 408 runs to clinch the series 2–0, their first Test series victory in India in 25 years.
- Jeff Crowe deemed the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch used for the Boxing Day Ashes Test unsatisfactory, resulting in one ICC demerit point for the venue after a two‑day match dominated by bowlers.
- The Kolkata pitch drew strong criticism from former players for excessive turn and variable bounce, while India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended it and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the surface crumbled earlier than expected.
- The formal ratings apply the ICC’s Pitch and Outfield framework, where unsatisfactory findings carry demerit points that can lead to consequences for venues if poor assessments accumulate.