Overview
- Match referee Jeff Crowe said the surface was too bowler-friendly and the MCG received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
- The Test finished inside two days with 36 wickets in 142 overs and no half-centuries, as England won by four wickets to make the series 3–1 heading to Sydney on January 4.
- Under ICC rules the demerit point remains on the venue’s record for five years, with six points in that period triggering a 12‑month international hosting ban.
- MCG curator Matt Page said staff left 10mm of grass and described being in a state of shock at the rapid finish, while CA’s James Allsopp voiced confidence in delivering better-balanced pitches in future.
- Australia released Beau Webster and Josh Inglis for one BBL match each before the SCG Test, and England ruled out Gus Atkinson with a hamstring injury and will not call a replacement.