MCG pitch for fourth Ashes Test rated 'unsatisfactory' by ICC

The pitch for the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has been rated 'unsatisfactory' by the ICC. The venue received one demerit point, which will remain active for a rolling five-year period.

The Test, which concluded in just two days, saw 36 wickets fall within 142 overs, with no batter crossing the 50-run mark.

Match Referee Jeff Crowe, part of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, stated that the pitch heavily favored bowlers.

"The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers," said Crowe. "With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was 'Unsatisfactory' as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point."

This was the second Test of the ongoing Ashes series to finish within two days, following the opening Test in Perth.

Despite England's victory in the Boxing Day Test, Australia had already secured the Ashes in the first three Tests, with the series currently standing at 3-1. The final Test will be played in Sydney from January 4th.