ICC issues pitch evaluation for the two-day Test in Perth

ICC issues pitch evaluation for the two-day Test in Perth

The ICC has rated the pitch at Perth Stadium to be "very good" despite a two-day finish in the first Ashes Test. Australia and England will face off in Brisbane for the second Test beginning December 4.

The pitch at Perth Stadium for the Ashes Test received the ICC's top rating of “very good.” The match lasted only two days, with 19 wickets falling on the first day and Travis Head smashing 123 runs from 83 balls. A “very good” pitch means it has good bounce, not too much seam movement, and gives both batters and bowlers a fair chance.

This game was one of the shortest Tests ever in Australia, ending in just 847 balls, and the shortest Ashes Test since 1888. Fast bowlers were in charge early. Mitchell Starc took 7 wickets for 58 runs, while Ben Stokes grabbed five as England bowled Australia out for 123. On the second day, England built a lead of 105 runs, but Scott Boland struck back with key wickets.

Australia chased 205 runs quickly, finishing the job in only 29 overs. Travis Head opened the batting in place of the injured Usman Khawaja and attacked from the start. Captain Steven Smith said the pitch seemed to get better for batting late on day two, similar to what happened in last year’s Test against India.

The early finish is expected to cost Cricket Australia about AU$3–4 million, as fans missed out on days three and four. Still, officials said the pitch gave a fair contest and produced exciting cricket. James Allsopp, Cricket Australia’s chief of cricket, added that the pace bowling and fast-moving action made the match thrilling and will inspire more kids to play the game.

Now the focus moves to the Gabba, where the next day-night Test will be played. Curator Dave Sandurski said the wicket is being prepared to last five days and give all players—batters and bowlers—a chance to show their skills.

The Gabba has had mixed results in recent years. In 2022–23, a two-day Test against South Africa was rated “below average” because too much grass was left on the pitch. But matches since then, against West Indies and India, have been fine. The upcoming Test will be closely watched, especially since Australia has lost only one day-night Test at home, against West Indies in 2023–24, while last year’s game against India was spoiled by rain.

In short, Perth gave fans two days of dramatic cricket, and now Brisbane will be tested to see if it can deliver a full five-day contest.