ICC match referee Richie Richardson rated the Eden Gardens pitch satisfactory
The India vs South Africa Test ended inside three days, drawing criticism
The rating means Eden Gardens avoids sanctions or demerit points
India’s Eden Gardens pitch from the recent India vs South Africa Test has drawn plenty of criticism, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially given it a “satisfactory” rating, allowing one of cricket’s most iconic grounds to avoid sanctions.
The first Test of the series in Kolkata ended within three days, with South Africa securing a 30-run victory inside the customary five-day duration. That result, combined with sharp turn and variable bounce, had reignited debates over pitch preparation and balance between bat and ball.
Match referee Richie Richardson, a former West Indies captain, assessed the surface and judged it to fall within acceptable standards under the ICC’s four-tier pitch rating system. The rating means Eden Gardens avoids demerit points that could have impacted its ability to host future high-profile international games
What Happened in That Kolkata Match
The first Test in Kolkata was characterised by extreme turn and inconsistent bounce from the outset, making batting a genuine challenge for both sides. South Africa batted first and were dismissed for 159, only for India to be bowled out for 189 in reply.
In the second innings, South Africa posted 153, setting India a target of 124, a total that proved tricky on a surface that continued to disintegrate. Ultimately, India were bundled out for 93, handing the Proteas a memorable win on Indian soil. Critics described the surface as offering more spin and unpredictability than expected, with as many as 26 wickets falling within the first two days.
Ashes 4th Test Pitch Rating
Contrast this with the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the pitch for the fourth Ashes Test was rated “unsatisfactory” by the ICC after that match concluded in just two days due to severe bowler dominance.
That verdict, handed down under the ICC’s Pitch & Outfield Monitoring Process, also led to the MCG receiving a demerit point, raising concerns about venue standards and long-term hosting rights. For the MCG, this has prompted officials to reassess pitch preparations amid fan and player backlash, as the Ashes match saw 36 wickets fall in just 142 overs.
