AUS v SA 2022-23: ICC rates Brisbane Test pitch ‘below average’; Gabba gets one demerit point

Australia won the first Test v South Africa inside two days by 6 wickets.

The pitch in Brisbane that was used during the first Test between Australia and South Africa has received a 'below average' rating from the ICC. This comes after the Test match was over within two days with 34 wickets falling in the duration.

The Gabba pitch was a green top surface with uncomfortable movement off the pitch and bounce. South Africa was bowled out for 152 and 99, while Australia made 218 and 35/4 to win the match by 6 wickets and go 1-0 up in the three-Test series.

The pitch was criticized by many, including South Africa skipper Dean Elgar, who said, "I don’t think that was a very good Test wicket." 

Now, Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees has rated the Brisbane Cricket Ground pitch that was used for the first match of the ICC World Test Championship series between Australia and South Africa as “below average”.

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The venue has received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

Richardson said: “Overall, the Gabba pitch for this Test match was too much in favor of the bowlers. There was extra bounce and occasional excessive seam movement. The odd delivery also kept low on the second day, making it very difficult for batters to build partnerships. I found the pitch to be “below average” as per the ICC guidelines since it was not an even contest between bat and ball.”

Demerit points remain active for a rolling five-year period and when a venue accumulates five demerit points it is suspended from staging any international cricket for a period of 12 months.

The second Test between the two sides will begin on boxing day in MCG.

(ICC inputs)