In a move that’s ignited fierce debate across the cricketing world, the ICC has officially rated the Perth Ashes pitch as ‘very good’—despite the historic Test match ending in just two days with a staggering 32 wickets falling . Yes, you read that right. The fastest Ashes Test in over a century concluded before most weekend brunches were over, yet cricket’s governing body insists the surface was not only playable but exemplary.
This verdict comes amid growing scrutiny over pitch preparation standards, especially when contrasted with recent controversies like India’s spin-dominated Kolkata Test against South Africa, which received a ‘poor’ rating just weeks earlier . So what’s going on? Is the ICC applying a double standard—or is Perth’s pitch being misunderstood? Let’s dive deep into the data, the drama, and what this means for the future of Test cricket.
Table of Contents
- The Perth Test by the Numbers
- Perth Ashes Pitch Rating: What the ICC Said
- Why Fans and Experts Are Furious
- The Kolkata Comparison: Double Standards?
- Modern Batting or Pitch Blame?
- What Makes a Pitch ‘Very Good’?
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Perth Test by the Numbers
The fifth Ashes Test in Perth (November 2025) lasted a mere 132.3 overs—making it the shortest Ashes Test since 1921 . Both Australia and England collapsed twice:
- Australia: 122 & 189
- England: 107 & 172
Fast bowlers dominated—Pat Cummins, Jofra Archer, and rising star Cooper Connolly shared 24 of the 32 wickets. The pitch offered steep bounce, lateral movement, and variable pace from Day 1—conditions typical of the WACA’s legacy, though modern renovations were supposed to make it more batting-friendly.
Perth Ashes Pitch Rating: What the ICC Said
Despite the carnage, the ICC’s pitch panel concluded the surface was “true, offered consistent bounce, and provided a fair contest between bat and ball” . Their official report noted that while the pace and carry were pronounced, there was no excessive seam movement or dangerous unpredictability—key criteria in their pitch assessment protocol.
“A pitch doesn’t need to last five days to be good,” an ICC spokesperson reportedly stated. “It must challenge skill, not safety—and Perth did exactly that.”
Why Fans and Experts Are Furious
Many fans argue that a ‘very good’ pitch should allow a competitive contest over multiple days—not a glorified T20. Former England captain Michael Vaughan called the rating “tone-deaf,” while Australian legend Shane Warne (in archived commentary) once said, “If a Test ends in two days, someone got it wrong.”
Cricket analysts point to modern batting techniques as part of the problem. “Batters today play further from their crease, use horizontal bats more, and struggle against short-pitched bowling on bouncy tracks,” said ESPNcricinfo’s Sidharth Monga . “Maybe it’s not the pitch—it’s the preparation.”
The Kolkata Comparison: Double Standards?
Just weeks before Perth, the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata—where South Africa were bowled out for 83 and 112 on a sharply turning surface—was slapped with a ‘poor’ rating by the ICC . Critics highlight the inconsistency: a spin-friendly pitch in India is condemned, while a pace-friendly one in Australia is praised.
But ICC insiders defend the distinction: Kolkata’s pitch deteriorated sharply by Day 2 with unplayable variable turn, while Perth’s behavior remained consistent throughout. Still, the optics fuel accusations of bias toward traditional Test nations.
Modern Batting or Pitch Blame?
Consider this: in the last five Perth Tests, scores under 150 have become more common. Is this because pitches are harsher—or because batters are less equipped to handle raw pace and bounce?
Compared to the 1990s–2000s (when the WACA was feared but still produced epic 400+ scores by Langer, Ponting, and Tendulkar), today’s players spend far more time in white-ball cricket, where back-foot play and short-ball evasion are prioritized over front-foot dominance.
This shift may explain why even elite batters like Joe Root and Steve Smith looked uncomfortable—suggesting the issue isn’t just the Perth Ashes pitch rating, but a global skill gap.
What Makes a Pitch ‘Very Good’?
According to the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, a ‘very good’ pitch must:
- Provide consistent pace and bounce.
- Offer a fair contest for all three days (not necessarily five).
- Not exhibit dangerous or unpredictable behavior.
- Allow match result within a reasonable timeframe.
By these metrics, Perth passed. But as cricket evolves, so should the criteria—especially if fans want Tests that last beyond lunch on Day 3.
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Conclusion
The controversy around the Perth Ashes pitch rating isn’t really about grass or cracks—it’s about what Test cricket should represent in the 21st century. Should it be a brutal test of courage on extreme surfaces? Or a balanced, multi-day battle that rewards patience and technique? The ICC’s ‘very good’ stamp on Perth says one thing; the two-day finish says another. One thing’s certain: this debate is far from over.