Perth Archives

ICC gives highest rating to Perth pitch after two-day Ashes Test

The Perth Stadium pitch that hosted the first Ashes Test was rated “very good” by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday, despite the game finishing in just two days.

Under the governing body’s four-tier rating system, “very good” is the highest possible, characterising a pitch with “good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match”.

This, the ICC said, allowed “for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers”.

Australia took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with an eight-wicket win in a frantic Test that saw 19 wickets fall on day one.

England were skittled for 172 with Mitchell Starc taking 7-58 before Australia collapsed to 121-9 at stumps.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Day two saw another flurry of wickets as England were bowled out for 164 before Travis Head’s incredible 123 off 83 balls guided Australia to victory.

Cricket Australia’s head of cricket, James Allsopp, said the rating justified “our belief Perth Stadium produced a pitch that provided a fair balance between bat and ball”.

“The dominance of some brilliant pace bowling from both sides and the frenetic nature of the contest meant the match lasted only two days,” he added.

“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.”

The day-night second Test begins in Brisbane on December 4, with the wicket at the Gabba also traditionally fast and bouncy.

READ: Akif Javed’s three-fer sets up easy win for Ajman Titans in Abu Dhabi T10

Cricket Australia introduces Pakistan Bay in Perth Stadium

Cricket Australia on Monday announced a dedicated space for Pakistan cricket fans labelled as the ‘Pakistan Bay’ in Perth Stadium ahead of the first Test between Pakistan and Australia.

The first Test, which is also labelled the ‘West Test’ will kick off the three-match Test series from December 14 in Perth Stadium.

Cricket Australia has reserved two stands surrounding the Pakistan team’s dressing room for Pakistan cricket fans.

This dedicated area has been named “Pakistan Bay” and will serve as a focal point for their fans to passionately support the Green shirts.

It is worth noting that the Pakistan Bay has been designated as an alcohol-free zone, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.

Moreover, Pakistani tea, halal food, and desi cuisines will also be available for the fans at Pakistan Bay.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Pakistani cricketers Hasan Ali and Saim Ayub have invited fans to join a walk organized by Cricket Australia on the first day of the match.

The walk will commence from the famous Sailani Avenue, and lead the participants to the Perth Stadium.

Cricket Australia has announced that it will offer Pakistan Bay tickets at lower prices than the standard AUD 30 tickets for the West Test match.

Additionally, children under the age of four can enter the stadium for free, while tickets for children aged four to fifteen will start at AUD 10.

Notably, more than 18000 tickets have already been sold for the much-awaited clash and the demand for the tickets has been high since the Pakistan team arrived in Australia.

READ: Asad Shafiq announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Mitchell Marsh expresses excitement of participating in the West Test in Perth

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh expressed his excitement to participate in the West Test against Pakistan at Perth, commencing on December 14.

During a media talk in Perth, Australia, Marsh shared his eagerness to play at the fast and bouncy pitch of Perth Stadium, where he has never played a Test match.

“This is the best wicket in the world. I haven’t played any Test match in Perth, but if I got selected, I would be super excited to feature in the West Test,” said Marsh.

“This pitch is fast and bouncy, this is what you want as a player which brings batter and bowler both an equal chance to contest,” he further added.

Mitchell Marsh also shared his joy for being part of the Australian team across all formats, stressing his consistent batting method over the past couple of years.

“I love being part of the Australian team, whatever the format it is. It’s an absolute pleasure to play for this team from the last few years. I think I have found my most consistent method of batting from the last couple of years,” he said.

Mitchell Marsh has recently played a crucial in Australia’s sixth World Cup title victory in India.

The 32-year-old allrounder amassed 441 runs in the tournament, including two centuries in ten outings at an average of 49.

Furthermore, after the West Test, the second Test match will be played in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 December, while Sydney will host the last game of the tour from 3 to 7 January 2024.

READ: PCB announces selection consultants to chief selector Wahab Riaz