The pitch at the Gabba used throughout the first Test of the three-match sequence between Australia and South Africa has obtained a ‘below average’ ranking from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
A inexperienced high, the contest between the two sides lasted for simply two days, with 34 wickets falling on this length. The Proteas’ top-order and batting line-up crumbled in each innings as the vacationers had been bundled out for 152 and 99 towards a fierce Australian bowling assault.
After dealing with a 6-wicket defeat inside two days, South Africa captain Dean Elgar questioned the high quality of pitch, acknowledging that it was “not a good Test wicket”.
On Tuesday, the ICC elite match referee Richie Richardson rated the inexperienced Gabba pitch as ‘below average’. In his assertion, Richardson mentioned that the pitch for the opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) sequence in Australia was not a fair contest between bat and ball.
The Gabba has subsequently obtained one demerit level beneath the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
“Overall, the Gabba pitch for this Test match was too much in favour of the bowlers. There was extra bounce and occasional excessive seam movement,” mentioned Richardson.
“The odd delivery also kept low on the second day, making it very difficult for batters to build partnerships.
“I found the pitch to be ‘below average’ as per the ICC guidelines since it was not an even contest between bat and ball.”
Richardson’s report has additionally been despatched to Cricket Australia (CA).
Talking about the demerit level, it’ll stay energetic for a rolling five-year interval.
“When a venue accumulates five demerit points (or crosses that threshold), it will be suspended from hosting any international cricket for a period of 12 months, while a venue will be suspended from staging any international cricket for 24 months when it reaches the threshold of 10 demerit points.”
The second Test could have a Boxing Day (December 26) begin at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
