F.P. Report
MELBOURNE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) showed displeasure over the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch for the fourth Ashes Test and rated it poor as only 24 wickets fall over five days.
The criticism began after both the competing teams scored freely and Australia scored 327 and 263-4 declared in their two innings while England scored 491 in their only innings.
Match referee Ranjan Madugalle said in his report to the ICC that the bounce of the MCG pitch was medium but slow in pace and got slower as the match progressed and showing concerns of the match officials over the performance of the pitch.
Cricket Australia (CA) has two weeks to respond to the report, the sport´s governing body said in a statement.
CA Chief Executive James Sutherland said CA will strive to avoid a repeat and discuss the matter with the administrators of the ground.
The fifth Ashes Test begins in Sydney on Thursday.
