What are the ICC pitch ratings and how does the system work?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) uses a rating system to review the quality of the pitch and outfield after every Test match, one-day international and T20 international.

The pitch is the rectangular central strip of a cricket field between the two wickets, and the outfield is the area that surrounds it.

The ICC evaluates pitches and outfields for all international matches, rating them on a scale from very good to unfit, based off the findings of the match referee.

They are tasked with completing a report at the end of play, analysing factors, such as bounce, ball movement and pitch deterioration to determine if a pitch is:

• Very good
• Satisfactory
• Unsatisfactory
• Unfit

The match referee also assesses the quality of the outfield - deeming it to be satisfactory, unsatisfactory or unfit.

How are pitches graded?

The ICC deems a very good Test pitch to have good carry, limited seam movement, consistent bounce, an acceptable level of turn early in the game, and should demonstrate natural wear.

A satisfactory pitch has differing carry, bounce or spin throughout the Test.

However, a pitch that does not allow an even contest between bat and ball is deemed unsatisfactory. That means it either favours the batters too much, or overly favours the bowlers.

A pitch deemed to be dangerous because it compromise the safety of players, is graded as unfit.

How are outfields graded?

According to the ICC, a satisfactory outfield should be well-grassed, even, offering occassional variable bounce, medium pace and providing adequate drainage.

An unsatisfactory outfield has excessive bare patches, excessive irregular bounce, slow pace and inadequate drainage.

If the safety of bowlers or fielders are put at risk by the surface, the outfield is graded as unfit.

What happens if a pitch or outfield is deemed unsatisfactory or unfit?

Venues with an unstatisfactory pitch or outfield are awarded one demerit point.

An unfit pitch or outfield carries the most severe punishment of three demerit points.

If a venue receives six demerit points across a five-year period it is suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months.

A location that receives 12 demerit points over a five-year period will have their match hosting rights suspended for two years.

If a venue has had both its pitch and its outfield in the same match rated unsatisfactory or unfit, the number of demerit points allocated will be the higher number.

No Test pitch has been graded unfit since the gradings were simplified in November 2023, however, the pitch from the two-day Ashes Test in Melbourne in December 2025 was rated as "unsatisfactory".

Why does the ICC have pitch gradings?

The ratings were introduced to protect players and promote a fair contest between the bat and ball in Test matches.

The standard of pitch is crucial in influencing the outcome of a game, with spin-friendly wickets potentially favouring one team, or a seam-friendly pitch helping the side with faster bowlers.

The ICC says a test pitch should allow all the individual skills of the game to be demonstrated by the players at various stages of the match, and "should slightly favour the bowling team".

"An exemplary pitch should be expected to deteriorate as the match progresses, with bounce becoming more inconsistent and the ball deviating more off the wearing surface," it adds.

The match referee also takes into account variations in playing conditions, with Tests on the sub-continent offering more degree of turn on the first day, for example.

All pitches will be judged on how they play, although the rating can also be positively influenced by the quality of the contest, the longevity of the match, and of the individual performances produced during the match.

How do the gradings work in ODI or T20 cricket?

The ICC uses the same four gradings to review pitches in white ball cricket, with the key difference being that pitches should aim to be more favourable towards the batter.

A very good pitch should offer a lack of seam movement, good carry, little bounce and little or no spin.

Satisfactory pitches lack carry and bounce, while one adjudged to be unsatisfactory has excessive uneveness, excessive seam movement, minimal carry or bounce and excessive spin.

Unfit and unsatisfactory pitches carry the same punishment as Test cricket.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

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