The 2nd Test match between Australia and India in the ongoing 4-match Test series was the inaugural Test match at the new Optus Stadium in Perth. However, it has not been a good home coming as the pitch used for the Test match was rated ‘average’ by the match referee Ranjan Madugalle.
It is clearly evident that the variable bounce through out the 2nd Test had its say in this lowest pass mark rating. There were many body blows in the game and the one to Aaron Finch index finger on the third day that forced him to retire, has been the worst of them all. However, the injury was not serious as Finch came back to bat on the fourth day of play.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced a disciplinary system in a bid to improve the standard of pitches around the world. Six ratings will be provided while rating pitches for the Test matches – ‘very good’, ‘good’, ‘average’, ‘below average’, ‘poor’ and ‘unfit’. And according to the given rating, Perth pitch is just okay where home team Australia registered a victory by a massive margin of 146 runs.
Meanwhile, the pitch at the Adelaide Oval for the 1st Test match between Australia and India received a ‘very good’ rating. On the other hand, Ranjan Madugalle was also responsible for the ‘poor’ rating to the MCG pitch a year ago during the Boxing day Ashes Test between Australia and England which finished in a draw.
Madugalle who awarded ‘average’ for Perth Test pitch was in charge for the first two of the 4-Test series between Australia and India. Andy Pycroft will be match referee for the 3rd Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and for the 4th Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
“Anyone who says there’s anything wrong with that wicket, they must’ve been watching a different game,” said Australian coach Justin Langer while commenting on the pitch. The series is now level 1-1 as visitors India won the first Test match at the Adelaide Oval while Australia won the second Test match in Perth. The third Test match will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting from December 26 (Boxing Day).
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