ICC rates Pune pitch as 'poor'

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced that Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, who was the match referee for the opening Test between India and Australia in Pune, has rated the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium pitch as "poor."

Broad, in accordance with Clause 3 of the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, submitted his report to the ICC in which he expressed concern over the quality of the pitch.

The report has been forwarded to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which now has 14 days to provide its response.

The BCCI's response will be reviewed by ICC's General Manager - Cricket, Geoff Allardice, and Ranjan Madugalle from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

The matter will be decided in accordance with Clause 4 of the process.

Earlier, several former cricketers blamed the pitch for India's humiliating 333-run defeat to Australia. The surface had not been watered for four days prior to the match, thus allowing the ball to turn sharply from day one.