The pitch of the third Test match played between India and Australia in Indore was put in the ‘poor’ category by the International Cricket Council (ICC). After this, the BCCI appealed against this decision on March 14. Now the ICC has changed the rating of the pitch on the appeal of BCCI and has given a new verdict. The ICC has changed the pitch rating of Holkar Stadium in Indore from ‘poor’ to ‘below average.’
The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia was over in Indore within three days. The pitch at Indore was rated poor under the ICC pitch and outfield monitoring process. The spinners of both teams were helped a lot by the spin-friendly surface right from the start of the first day.
On the first day, the spinners took 13 out of 14 wickets. Of the 31 wickets that fell during the match, 26 were taken by the spinners, while only four went to the fast bowlers. One batsman was run out. In this Test, Australia defeated India under the captaincy of Steve Smith.
The ICC gave Holkar Stadium three demerit points. The council took this decision after a report by match referee Chris Broad about the pitch. After this, the BCCI appealed against the decision of the ICC. ICC’s two-member panel has changed the rating of the pitch after examining the matter and reviewing the decision.
Due to the change in rating, demerit points have also decreased. Instead of three demerit points, now the pitch has got only one demerit point.
According to the ICC pitch and outfield monitoring procedure, if a pitch receives five or more demerit points over a rolling period of five years, it will be suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months. In such a situation, Holkar Stadium got three demerit points, which has now been reduced to one.
ICC rates pitches on these five grounds
- Very good
- Good
- Average
- Below Average
- Poor
- Unfit
