ICC Assesses Pitches from Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has evaluated the majority of pitches utilized in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series between England and India as ‘satisfactory,’ according to reports. The evaluation comes after the conclusion of the series, which ended in a 2-2 tie.

The governing body for cricket has released its assessments for the first four matches of the series. The pitch used for the opening match at Headingley, Leeds, earned a ‘very good’ rating, standing out as the only one to receive this distinction. The outfields for all four games were consistently rated ‘very good’.

However, the pitch and outfield ratings for the fifth and final Test, held at the Kennington Oval in London, are still pending. This match saw India mount a comeback to draw the series.

Understanding ICC Pitch Ratings

The ICC uses a rating system for pitches that ranges from very good to unfit. The scale includes: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and unfit.

Venues receiving an unsatisfactory rating are penalized with one demerit point, while an unfit rating results in three demerit points. Accumulating five demerit points within a five-year span leads to a 12-month ban from hosting international cricket.

Batter Dominance and Record-Breaking Performances

The series witnessed significant dominance by batters, leading to numerous records being either matched or surpassed throughout the five matches.

  • The series saw 50 scores of fifty or more runs, marking a new high for a single Test series.
  • Of these 50 scores, 19 were converted into centuries.
  • India recorded 28 fifty-plus scores, while England contributed 22.

This achievement aligns with the highest aggregate of runs in a five-match Test series.

Previously, the 1928-29 Ashes series held the record, with English and Australian batters combining for a total of 6,606 runs.

The earlier benchmark for the most fifty-plus scores in a five-match series was 49, achieved during the 1920-21 Ashes series.

Notably, the 1993 Ashes also produced 50 fifty-plus scores, but over six matches, distinguishing the current India-England series as the first to reach this figure within five Tests.