The International Cricket Council (ICC) took more than a month, after the Kolkata Test between India and South Africa that caused widespread decision on the pitch conditions, to provide its evaluation on the Eden Gardens surface. The iconic venue had been subjected to severe scrutiny by the acutely turning pitch thanks to the match which was called off within three days after the unexpected defeat of India.
The Eden Gardens track has been spared the bitter judgment that has been given to other controversial surfaces despite the severe criticism at the time. Referee of the ICC match, Richie Richardson, gave the pitch a rating of satisfactory, which was an alleviation to the venue and the Board of Control working under Cricket in India (BCCI). This ruling was reached despite the fact that most ex-cricket players and pundits had criticized the surface claiming that it did not give a fair battle between the bat and ball.
The Kolkata pitch gave dramatic effects at first and overturn and unfair bounce prevailed. The first two days alone witnessed 26 wickets being taken, and this shows just how tough batting conditions were. The only player to score a half-century in that match was South Africa captain Temba Bavuma and it reflects how difficult it was to be a player on both teams. On the third day, the Proteas was sent home with a paltry 153 targeting India with a target of 123.
But, without an injured opener Shubman Gill, India failed in the pursuit. The hosts only made 92 in a bowling out.
However, the pitch of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) utilized in the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes matches was rated as unsatisfactory. Referee Match referee Jeff Crowe said that the playing surface was not fair, overly favouring bowlers. It only took 2 days to end that match with 36 wickets being toppled in 142 overs before England emerged the winner leaving the ICC to take more serious action against the MCG surface.
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