Ashes 2025-26: ICC rates Perth pitch ‘very good’ despite a two-day finish

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitch used for first Ashes Test at the Perth Stadium as 'very good', despite the game lasting only two days. Barring the run-chase, only 468 runs were scored for the loss of 30 wickets in a match which Australia secured an eight-wicket win. 

Match referee Ranjan Madugalle provided the rating. For the unversed, a 'very good' rating is the highest a pitch can get as per ICC's four-tier grading structure. A 'very good' rating denotes that the pitch has characteristic carry, minimal amount of seam movement as well as regular bounce. 

A total of 19 wickets fell on the opening day of the contest while the second day saw England collapsing after gaining a 40-run first innings lead. The hosts, led by a quickfire ton by Travis Head, cruised through at the end.

Cricket Australia's Chief of Cricket James Allsop mentioned that the contest was filled with some riveting action from both sides for the most part of it. However, he also noted that the fans who had booked their tickets for the third and fourth days were left dejected after the match could not go on past Day 2. 

"The match referee's 'very good' rating justifies our belief that 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. This was disappointing for fans holding tickets for Days 3 and 4, but we saw some incredible moments which captivated huge viewing audiences and will inspire even more kids to pick up a bat and ball," Allsop was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Mitchell Starc (7/58 and 3/55) bagged a 10-wicket haul for Australia, and was awarded the Player of the Match award. The contest lasted only 141.1 overs as the hosts took a 1-0 lead going into the second match.

The second Test, a pink-ball one, is scheduled to start in Brisbane from December 4. Both teams have ample amount of time for recovering and strategising in what promises to be yet another adrenaline-charged encounter.