AUS v SA: Gabba pitch rated ‘below average’ after first Test

DUBAI:  The pitch used in the Brisbane Test – the first of the three-match series between Australia and South Africa – has been rated below average by the International Cricket Council on Tuesday. 

Australia won the Test match by six wickets inside two days and took a 1-0 lead in the series, but the green top at the Gabba came under severe criticism for its hostile nature towards the batters.

South African captain Dean Elgar also took a dig at Gabba’s wicket, saying ” I don’t think it’s a very good Test wicket.”

According to the governing body of cricket, member of ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, Richie Richardson has now released his report for the pitch and gave a ‘below average’ rating to the venue.

“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. The odd delivery also kept low on the second day, making it very difficult for batters to build partnerships.” said Richardson in his report.

“I found the pitch to be “below average” as per the ICC guidelines since it was not an even contest between bat and ball,” the report added.

Following a below average, the venue earned one demerit point in accordance with ICC Pitch and Outfield monitoring process.

According to ICC guidelines, 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.

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