ICC Revises Indore Pitch Rating After BCCI Lodged Appeal Against 'Poor' Verdict

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has changed the rating for the third Test between India and Australia, which was held in Indore's Holkar Stadium. The apex body had given 'poor' rating to the pitch after the match ended well within three days, in a 9-wicket victory for the tourists. The ICC has now changed its verdict on the pitch, calling it 'below average'.

In a statement, the ICC said: "The pitch for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series was initially rated as 'poor' and received three demerit points. However, after an appeal from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the rating has been changed from 'poor' to 'below average'."

The ICC appeal panel consisting of Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager - Cricket, and Roger Harper, ICC Men's Cricket Committee Member, reviewed footage from the match after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had lodged an appeal on the rating. The Indian team was also penalised with 3 demerit points following the 'poor' rating. With the revised rating, the demerit points have also been reduced to 1.

Giving an explanation for the change in rating, the ICC said in its statement: "Both were of the opinion that, while the guidelines had been followed by the Match Referee in accordance with Appendix A of the Pitch Monitoring Process, there was not enough excessive variable bounce to warrant the 'poor' rating.

The panel, therefore, concluded that the pitch should be rated 'below average', meaning the Holkar Stadium will receive only one demerit point instead of the original three."

Pitches have been in the spotlight almost the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The first two Test venues of the series were given 'average' rating by the BCCI. While the first three