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New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a strong stance regarding the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Following the fourth Ashes Test which concluded in just two days the ICC declared it the worst pitch in Australia under the current rating system and officially issued a notice to the MCG. Why the ICC Gave an ‘Unsatisfactory’ Rating According to match referee Jeff Crowe the pitch did not provide a fair balance between batsmen and bowlers. A total of 36 wickets fell in two days and no batsman managed to reach a half-century leading to the pitch being declared Unsatisfactory. Demerit Point Recorded With this decision the MCG has received one demerit point which will remain on record for the next five years. However a total of five more demerit points would be required in the next five years to trigger a ban on hosting international matches. Coach Andrew McDonald Supports the Curator Australian coach Andrew McDonald defended MCG curator Matt Page saying that sometimes bad Test matches happen. He acknowledged that in an attempt to avoid the flat pitch of 2017 the conditions swung too much in favor of the bowlers. Cricket Australias Response Cricket Australia acknowledged that the pitch did not live up to the MCGs traditional standards. However the board is confident that a better pitch will be prepared for the upcoming Boxing Day Test and the 150th Anniversary Test. Increased Monitoring of Pitch Preparation in the Future CA CEO Todd Greenberg indicated that after the financial losses incurred from two consecutive two-day Tests the board may increase its oversight of pitch preparation although without interfering with the curators independence. Story Highlights ICC declares the pitch for the fourth Ashes Test ‘Unsatisfactory’ MCG receives one demerit point after 36 wickets fall in two days Australian coach defends curator Matt Page Cricket Australia assures better balance in the future The board suffered significant financial losses due to consecutive two-day Tests