The pitch used in the first Test in Perth has given a rating of “very good” – the highest available – by the International Cricket Council.
The match was the first Ashes Test to finish inside two days for 104 years with 19 wickets falling on day one and a further 13 on day two.
The four-tier system has “very good” as its highest mark – with the characteristics needed for that mark outlined as: “Good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers”.
The match lasted 847 deliveries, which is the third-fewest in an Ashes Test and the second-shortest game of any Test in Australia.
Cricket Australia’s chief of cricket James Allsopp said: “The match referee’s ‘very good’ rating justifies our belief Perth Stadium produced a pitch that provided a fair balance between bat and ball.
“The dominance of some brilliant pace bowling from both sides and the frenetic nature of the contest meant the match lasted only two days.”