MCG Boxing Day pitch rated 'unsatisfactory' after two-day Ashes Test

The fourth Test ended in less than two days, with 36 wickets falling across six sessions and no batter reaching a half-century. England won the match by four wickets, their first Test victory in Australia since 2011, though Australia had already retained the Ashes with a 3â-0 series lead.

Match referee Jeff Crowe said the surface offered too much assistance to bowlers, with 20 wickets falling on the opening day and 16 on the second. The assessment was made under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, which evaluates whether conditions allow a fair contest between bat and ball.

After winning the toss, England bowled Australia out for 152, with Josh Tongue taking 5/45. England were then dismissed for 110 before stumps on day one. Australia's second innings yielded 132, with Travis Head's 46 the highest score of the match, before England chased down the target in 32.2 overs.

The demerit point is the first issued to an Australian venue since the ICC overhauled its pitch rating system two years ago. Venues that accumulate six demerit points within five years can be suspended from hosting international matches for 12 months.

Cricket Australia said it was disappointed the pitch did not provide the customary balance expected at the MCG, particularly for fans holding tickets for later days. Curator Matt Page admitted he was shocked by how the surface played, while coach Andrew McDonald defended the ground staff and said difficult Test matches can occur.

The final Test of the series will be played in Sydney from January 4.

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