England’s Joe Root is dismissed by Australia’s Mitchell Starc in Perth. (Photo by AP/PTI) The fastest Ashes Test in 137 years – a two-day shootout that saw 19 wickets fall on the opening day – has been officially rated “very good” by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The verdict, delivered after Australia sealed a 1-0 lead in breathtaking fashion at the Perth Stadium, sparked fresh debate about modern batting approaches, pitching expectations and global surface control after India’s three-day defeat by South Africa in Kolkata.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!According to the ICC’s four-tier rating system, “very good” is the highest possible rating, reserved for pitches offering “good carry, limited seam movement and consistent early bounce”, ensuring a fair match between bat and ball. Despite the fast-paced nature of the test – packed in just 847 vans – judge Andy Pycroft concluded that the surface met all the criteria for top-level approval.
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The opening Ashes Test erupted into chaos as England were bowled out for 172 with Mitchell Starc taking career-best figures of 7-58. But Australia’s own collapse at 121/9 at stumps kept the game in check. The next day followed a similar script: 13 wickets, 380 runs and a stunning 123 from Travis Head to lead Australia to an eight-wicket triumph.The neck-and-neck affair attracted immediate attention in the subcontinent, coming just days after India’s dramatic loss in Kolkata, where a heavy-spinning surface saw 17 wickets fall on the second day and India shot to 93 in a 124-run chase. While Eden Gardens remains unranked, India coach Gautam Gambhir has defended the pitch, insisting there were “no demons”.
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Starc, who finished with 10-113, insisted that both teams’ attacking intent contributed to the quick finish, while England captain Ben Stokes described the pitch as “offering a lot” but rewarding positive play. Australia’s Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne both noted that the surface really improved towards the end of the second day.Cricket Australia chief of cricket James Allsopp welcomed the ICC’s support, saying the ranking “justifies our belief” that Perth had delivered a fair competition – even if fans missed days three and four.“We’ve seen some incredible moments that have captivated a huge crowd,” said Allsopp, looking ahead to the next Test under the lights at the Gabba.Australia now bring momentum to Brisbane, but the debate over surfaces – and batting standards – is only set to intensify.
