Ashes 2025: ICC Rates MCG Boxing Day Test Pitch ‘Unsatisfactory’

The field that was used for the Boxing Day Test of Ashes 2025, played at  Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been formally rated as "unsatisfactory" by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in response to significant criticism of its lack of competitiveness from players, analysts, and fans.

Why the Pitch Was Rated Unsatisfactory

In the Boxing Day Test was played in Melbourne between Australia and England, England beat Australia by 30 runs, finishing the 4th test match in 2 days. 

"Unsatisfactory" is the third level in the ICC's four-tier pitch grading system, which describes a pitch that "does not allow an even contest between bat and ball..." by favoring the bowlers too much, with too many wicket-taking possibilities for either seam or spin. For the previous three Boxing Day Tests, the MCG pitch got the highest "very good" rating.

 

"The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers," observed 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."

 

It was the second two-day Test at the ongoing Ashes after the "very good" surface in the first match in Perth. Before losing at MCG, Australia won that Test match and the following two.

Consequences for the MCG

A rating of "unsatisfactory" has an impact on the venue. A formal report detailing corrective actions for upcoming games is anticipated to be submitted to the ICC by Cricket Australia and the MCG curators. Warnings or even the loss of hosting rights for important events may result from repeatedly low ratings.

 

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