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1h ago

ICC Rates MCG Boxing Day Pitch ‘Unsatisfactory,’ Issues Demerit Point

The decision follows a two-day finish that dealt a major financial blow to Cricket Australia, with leaders voicing support for curator Matt Page.

Ben Duckett (R) is bowled by Mitchell Starc on the second day of the fourth Ashes cricket Test match between Australia and England at the MCG
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Jake Weatherald ‘signed more autographs than runs this match’.
Cricket - The Ashes - Australia v England - Fourth Test - MCG, Melbourne, Australia - December 27, 2025 England supporters cheer REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Overview

  • Match referee Jeff Crowe said the surface overly favoured bowlers and confirmed one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, with six points in five years triggering a 12‑month venue ban.
  • The Test ended inside two days with 36 wickets falling in about 142 overs and no batter reaching fifty as England won by four wickets.
  • MCG curator Matt Page said he was in a state of shock and explained 10mm of grass was left on the pitch, while CA, the MCC and coach Andrew McDonald publicly backed the ground staff.
  • Cricket Australia faces multimillion‑dollar losses from the truncated match, with estimates topping AUD 10 million due to refunds and lost sales.
  • Australia temporarily released Josh Inglis and Beau Webster to play one BBL match each before rejoining the Test squad on December 31, and England ruled out Gus Atkinson for the SCG Test with a left hamstring injury, with Matthew Potts in line to replace him.