India won the pink-ball third Test by ten wickets.
The cricket pitch used for the day-night Test between India and England in Ahmedabad has been given an ‘average’ rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Therefore, the pitch has escaped sanctions after India’s third Test match against England finished inside just two days.
The ICC has updated the ratings of all recent games in its ‘Rules and Regulations’ page.
Motera, the pitch in question, rates ‘average’ for the series’ third Test.
The pitch became the subject of intense debate during the four-match series, which saw India qualify for the World Test Championship final after a 3-1 victory against England.
India won the pink-ball third Test by ten wickets. Both teams were unable to get more than 150 runs, supposedly due to the controversial surface.
The second Test, which took place in Chennai, also received an ‘average’ rating.
The first Test pitch, on which England gained their victory, received a ‘very good’ rating by the ICC. It also rated ‘good’ for the final Test.
The ICC Match Referee rates the pitch and outfield after a match has ended.
The ICC receives a rating for every Test match, One Day International and T20 International played.
According to an ICC note, the ratings help to provide feedback for preparations for future international matches at the venue in question.
The note said:
“The rating is then provided as feedback to the host Member Board to assist in future pitch and outfield preparations for international matches at the relevant venue.
“In addition, if a pitch or outfield is marked as substandard the relevant Home Board and the venue are required to explain why the pitch and/or outfield performed below the required standard.
“A pitch or outfield is deemed to be substandard if it receives a rating of poor or unfit.”
“Sanctions may be applied by ICC to a venue that presents a substandard pitch or outfield for international cricket.”
India’s third Test match against England sparked an ongoing debate over the suitability of the pitch at Ahmedabad.
It is not uncommon for teams to use their home pitches to their advantage in a match.
However, questions arose regarding whether the playing conditions at Ahmedabad offered a fair contest.
India made 145 and 49 for no loss during the pink-ball Test. England folded for just 112 and 81 in their two innings.
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