The Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch for the fourth Ashes test has been rated "poor" by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after last week's drawn clash between hosts Australia and England saw only 24 wickets fall over five days.
"The bounce of the MCG pitch was medium, but slow in pace and got slower as the match progressed," match referee Ranjan Madugalle said in his report to the ICC, reflecting the concerns of the match officials over the performance of the pitch.
Source: AAP
"The nature of the pitch did not change over the five days and there was no natural deterioration.
"As such, the pitch did not allow an even contest between the bat and the ball as it neither favoured the batsmen too much nor it gave the bowlers sufficient opportunity to take wickets."
Cricket Australia (CA) has two weeks to respond to the report, the sport's governing body said in a statement.
A new demerit-points system has been introduced that can result in venues being barred from hosting international cricket for up to two years.
Grounds now receive two points for a below average pitch, three for a poor strip and five for an unfit wicket.
Venues will be suspended for a year if they receive five points in a five-year period, or for two years if they accrue 10 points.
