MCG pitch rated 'average' by ICC

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch, where India and Australia played their third Test of the ongoing four-match series, has been rated "average" by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The decision came as a relief to the MCG staff who were under immense pressure after being rated "poor" by the ICC, last year. Keeping the last year's rating in mind, the ground staff had put in some extra efforts for this year's Boxing Day match with an additional layer of sand, reduction of pitches on the square to aid more natural wear and tear, and leaving grass on the pitch, ESPNcricinfo reported.

The concerns regarding the MCG pitch had gained momentum during the first two days of the third Test when India went on to pile up a massive total of 443 runs in their first innings. But an unexpected bounce in the following days negated all the apprehensions regarding the track.

The "average" rating to MCG has assured that the ground would not get any demerits points.

Recently, the Perth Pitch, which was the venue of the second Test between the two teams, was also given the "average" rating by the ICC inviting discontent from across the cricket world.

In order to improve the standard of pitches around the world, ICC had introduced a disciplinary system that would rate the Test the venues as very good, good, average, below average and poor.