The Ashes 2025-26 opener at Perth Stadium lasted just two days. The Bazball-clad England fell flat on a bouncy Perth and Travis Head played a knock for the ages. While wickets tumbled on both days, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed the highest rating of “very good” to the Perth pitch for providing a good contest between bat and ball.
The pitch rating of "very good" was given by match referee Ranjan Madugalle in his official report.
According to ICC, "very good" rating for a pitch means that it had "good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers".
It is to be noted that only 141.1 overs were bowled in the Test. This is the shortest Ashes Test in 137 years.
There was enough assistance for fast bowlers. After Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first, Mitchell Starc ran riot with a seven-wicket haul, troubling touring batters in the absence of skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
"This wicket, it kind of gets better I think at the end of day two, it's probably at its best for the game late this evening … we saw similar last year as well," captain Smith said after Head’s sensational 123-run knock to help Australia win by eight wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the Ashes.
CA's reaction to ICC rating
Cricket Australia’s chief of cricket, James Allsopp is elated with “very good” rating.
"The match referee's "very good" rating justifies our belief Perth Stadium produced a pitch that provided a fair balance between bat and ball," James Allsopp, Cricket Australia's chief of cricket, said. "The dominance of some brilliant pace bowling from both sides and the frenetic nature of the contest meant the match lasted only two days.”
However, he was disappointed that the Test lasted only two days and it led to people missing out on watching the game at the Optus stadium on Day 3 (Sunday) and Day 4.
"This was disappointing for fans holding tickets for days three and four, but we saw some incredible moments which captivated huge viewing audiences and will inspire even more kids to pick up a bat and ball this summer," Allsopp said.
"As always, we want to ensure pitches across Australia have their own characteristics and we're looking forward to another enthralling contest under lights at the Gabba starting next Thursday."
The next Test is set to take place at The Gabba, Brisbane, starting on December 4. It is going to be a pink-ball Test.