The Ashes 2025-26: ICC rates Perth pitch "very good" despite a two-day finish
Australia won the first test of the Ashes 2025-26 in just two days.
The pitch for the first test of The Ashes 2025-26, which took place at the Perth Stadium in Perth has been rated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as “very good”. The track garnered a lot of attention as the series opener was wrapped up in two days, with Australia handing England a rout.
The match referee Ranjan Madugalle, in his report, has given the pitch the best rating under the ICC’s four-tier rating system. Pitches that are termed as “very good” are considered to be producing competitive contests with both teams having a fair opportunity to achieve a positive result.
Australia thrash England by eight wickets in Perth
Bowlers ruled the roost in Perth, causing the match to move rapidly. A total of 19 wickets fell on the first day. England batted first, but the Kangaroos folded their innings in just 32.5 overs, allowing the visitors to put only 172 runs on the scoreboard.
However, England did not let Australia run away with the match and made a roaring comeback as the day closed with Australia struggling at 123/9. The leader of the attack for the Aussies, Mitchell Starc, picked up a 7-fer, and England’s captain Ben Stokes completed a five-wicket haul on the first day.
The script was similar on the second day until Travis Head decided to blow England away with a 123-run blitzkrieg off just 83 balls to guide Australia to the 205-run target. The hosts clinched the first test by 8 wickets to taken an early lead in the five-match series.
Different yardstick for spin and pace?
This “very good” rating for the wicket in Perth has also drawn sharp reactions from pundits and fans. A few days before the Perth test, the test between India and South Africa ended on the third day in Kolkata. The pitch at the Eden Gardens had a lot to offer for the spinners, which saw batters struggle to survive.
Pitches in India have often come under the scanner from the ICC for their spin-friendly nature. Several former Indian cricketers have come out in the open to express their displeasure over differential treatment for spin-heavy tracks.
What is the rating of ICC for the pitch in the Perth for the first Ashes 2025-26 test?
ICC has rated the pitch in Perth as “very good”.
Who won the first Ashes 2025-26 test in Perth?
Australia won the first test in Perth by 8 wickets.
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Navtej is all about narrating stories of human endeavour shaped by sporting excellence, from 22 yards to lush green pitches and buzzing arenas. With a background in broadcasting, he has a keen eye for compelling narratives that keep readers hooked. He primarily covers football and cricket, capturing the magic of two of the world’s most beloved sports.