The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finally announced the pitch rating for the Ashes 2025-26 opening match at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Hosts Australia National Cricket Team and visitors England National Cricket Team were engaged in a fiery clash in Perth, and the Test match finished inside two days (November 21 and 22).
ICC gives "very good" to Perth Test pitch
Winning the toss and batting first, the Three Lions were bundled out for 172 in 32.5 overs as Mitchell Starc ran through the line-up with his stunning 7-wicket haul in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
However, many blamed the pitch for providing excessive support to bowlers as Australia were bowled out for 132 in their first innings in just 45.2 overs.
Then came England's turn to bat again, and despite the pitch settling very well, the Bazballers went ultra-aggressive, getting rolled out for 164 runs in 34.4 overs.
Australia got a target of 205 runs to chase, and they easily crossed the finish line, riding on Travis Head's knock for the ages and Marnus Labuschagne's brilliant fifty to seal an 8-wicket win. Overall, 847 deliveries were bowled in the match, and it became the second-shortest completed Test in Australia.
Even though the match lasted just two days and 19 wickets fell on the opening day, the ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle rated the pitch "very good", which is the highest rating for the tracks set by the ICC.
Perth Stadium produced a pitch that provided a fair balance - James Allsopp on ICC's verdict
The two-day Test match in Perth meant that Cricket Australia (CA) had to bear the losses of around AU$3-4 million. However, Cricket Australia's chief of cricket, James Allsopp, was happy to see the ICC's rating of the pitch.
"The match referee's "very good" rating justifies our belief Perth Stadium produced a pitch that provided a fair balance between bat and ball," James Allsopp, Cricket Australia's chief of cricket, said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
"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 three and four, but we saw some incredible moments which captivated huge viewing audiences and will inspire even more kids to pick up a bat and ball this summer."
How will be the pitch for the Gabba Test?
Australia and England will clash at The Gabba in Brisbane in the second Test, which will be a day-night contest, and it would be interesting to see what kind of surface will be on offer. James Allsopp said that they want to prepare a surface that "has their own characteristics".
"As always, we want to ensure pitches across Australia have their own characteristics and we're looking forward to another enthralling contest under lights at the Gabba starting next Thursday," he stated.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane curator Dave Sandurski said that they would try to roll out a surface that helps both batters and bowlers.
"All indications are there is a bit of heat around. The wicket will dry out a lot quicker so you've got to make sure you keep enough moisture in it to last five days," he said.
"We try and make our wickets pretty much the same for four and five-day cricket. The aim is to provide a wicket where all players get a chance to perform their skills so hopefully all facets of the game come into the match."
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