The second and final Test between Bangladesh and Australia ended in only a day and a half, with 30 wickets falling in just 125 overs at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in McKay. Batting proved extremely difficult throughout the match.
Despite the one-sided nature of the contest, the pitch is reportedly set to receive the highest possible rating under the ICC’s pitch-rating system.
There are four categories for Test pitches, with “Very Good” being the highest rating. A pitch in this category is expected to offer good carry early in the match, limited seam movement and consistent bounce, allowing both batsmen and bowlers a fair contest.
According to Seven Cricket’s chief cricket reporter Tom Morris, match referee Richie Richardson is expected to recommend a “Very Good” rating for the McKay surface. However, the assessment will not become official until it receives approval from the ICC.
A Difficult Surface for Batters
The pitch made life particularly challenging for the batsmen.
Eighteen wickets fell on the opening day alone. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 64. Australia then reached 165 but lost eight wickets in the process.
The match moved even faster on the second day. Australia lost their remaining two wickets, while Bangladesh were dismissed for only 95 in their second innings.
Australia eventually won by an innings and 51 runs, drawing the two-match series 1–1. Bangladesh had won the opening Test in Darwin by nine wickets.
Different Views on the Pitch
The result sparked debate over whether the McKay surface was suitable for Test cricket.
Australia captain Pat Cummins described the pitch as “very good,” suggesting that it provided an appropriate challenge for both teams.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, however, had a different perspective. He pointed to the extreme difficulty faced by the batsmen and suggested that such a challenging surface should be remembered when assessing the match.
Ultimately, whether the pitch officially receives the “Very Good” grade will depend on the ICC’s final approval.
