The MCG pitch for the Boxing Day Ashes Test has been rated unsatisfactory after the match ended inside two days, with 36 wickets falling in bowler-friendly conditions.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground(MCG) pitch for the fourth Ashes Test received an unsatisfactory rating under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, resulting in one demerit point for the venue. Match referee Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel assessed the surface after the Test concluded in two days.
The game saw extreme assistance for bowlers throughout. A total of 20 wickets fell on the opening day, followed by 16 more on the second. No batter managed to score a half-century across the match.
England chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Josh Tongue led the attack, taking 5 for 45 as Australia were dismissed for 152. England then struggled in similar conditions and folded for 110 within 30 overs.
Australia batted again on the first day, continuing the collapse. They added 132 in the second innings, with Travis Head’s 46 standing as the highest score of the Test. England completed the chase in 32.2 overs, losing six wickets, with steady runs from Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell.
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However, despite the win, England could not alter the series outcome. Australia has already secured the Ashes by winning the opening three Tests, moving 3–0 ahead. The fifth and final Test of the series will take place in Sydney from January 4.
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