AUS vs SA: First Test Gabba pitch rated as “below ordinary”

• Gabba pitch received a ‘below average’ rating from the ICC.
• The pitch was played on during the first Test between Australia and South Africa.
• Venue has received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch Outfield monitoring process.

The International Cricket Council gave first Test between Australia and South Africa a “below ordinary” rating (ICC).

On Sunday, Australia defeated England by six wickets to win the Test match and take a 1-0 series lead. However, the Gabba pitch came under heavy criticism. The match between the two teams, which was played on a green top, was completed in less than two days with 34 wickets falling during this time.

Many people voiced their disapproval of the field, including Dean Elgar, the South Africa captain, who said, “I don’t think that was a very nice Test wicket.” Now that Richie Richardson, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, has submitted his report for the pitch, he rates it as “below average.”

“The Gabba pitch for this Test match was, all in all, far too favourable to the bowlers. Extra bounce and occasionally excessive seam movement were present. On the second day, the odd delivery continued to be low, making it exceedingly challenging for hitters to form partnerships “Richardson’s forecast was as follows.

Given that there was no fair competition between bat and ball, I considered the pitch to be “below average” in accordance with ICC criteria, he continued.

The venue has got one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield monitoring process as a result of the “below average” classification.

When a venue reaches five demerit points, it is barred from hosting any international cricket for a year. Demerit points are active for a rolling five-year period.

Also Read

Boland and Hazlewood compete for spot in Boxing Day Test against South Africa

Australia play South Africa in the second Test at the Gabba on...