Overview
- The ruling assigns the MCG one demerit point under ICC guidelines, with six points in five years triggering a 12‑month hosting ban.
- Match referee Jeff Crowe said the surface was too heavily in favour of bowlers, noting 20 wickets on day one, 16 on day two, and no half‑centuries.
- MCG curator Matt Page acknowledged leaving 10mm of grass and said he was in a state of shock, as Cricket Australia and the MCC backed staff and promised improvements.
- Media reports estimate multimillion‑dollar losses for Cricket Australia from refunds and lost match‑day revenue after the early finish.
- The verdict contrasts with Perth’s two‑day Test receiving a 'very good' rating, sharpening questions over consistency as the series moves to Sydney on January 4.