🏏 ICC Demerits MCG's Disaster Pitch

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Key Takeaways

1📊 36 wickets, no 50+: MCG pitch carnage detailed
2🏆 ICC demerit #2 in Ashes; England wins anyway
3💡 10mm grass caused extreme seam/variable bounce
4🔮 Five-year demerit risks future bans for venue
5💬 Crowe: 'Too bowler-friendly per guidelines'

"The venue, where 36 wickets fall within 142 overs, also receives one demerit point"

ICC rated the MCG pitch 'unsatisfactory' for the fourth Ashes Test, awarding one demerit point after 36 wickets fell in two days with no half-century. Match referee Jeff Crowe cited extreme bowler bias: 20 wickets Day 1, 16 Day 2 over 142 overs. Second such verdict in series after Perth, despite England's win—Australia had already retained the urn. Raises alarms on Test pitch equity.

MCG, iconic for Boxing Day Tests, has hosted epics like 2006's Warne farewell, but 2025-26 trends toward extremes. 10mm grass by curator Matt Page echoes historical green seamers, yet overdid it—batting averages crashed below 15. Ashes history: 150+ matches, but few two-dayers; this duo questions preparation evolution.

Pitch Extremes Under Microscope

Crowe's call per guidelines: variable bounce from grass, no 50+ scores. Stats: innings totals under 200 each; wicket hauls like pacers' 10-fers rare outside 1950s. Parallels Indore 2023 (rated poor), but MCG's seam frenzy vs spin—five-year demerit active, risking bans.

Global Standards Face Reckoning

Impacts Australia's home record; pressures curators for balance. England celebrates Stokes-era grit, but series urn loss stings. Could standardize via tech like moisture meters, aiding touring sides.