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 area between the two wickets of a cricket pitch, and the outfield is the area surrounding it.
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The ICC evaluates pitches and outfields in all international matches, grading them from very good to unsuitable based on the match referee’s findings.
They are tasked with completing a report at the end of the game analyzing factors such as bounce, ball movement and pitch deterioration to determine whether the pitch:
The match referee also assesses the quality of the outfield – deeming it satisfactory, unsatisfactory or unsuitable.
How are courses graded?
The Melbourne Cricket Ground was deemed “unsatisfactory” by the ICC during the fourth Ashes Test because it was “too bowler-friendly” [Getty Images]
The ICC considers this to be a very good Test surface with good dribbling, limited seam movement, consistent bounce, acceptable levels of turn early in the game and should show natural wear and tear.
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A satisfactory pitch has varying carry, bounce or spin throughout the test.
However, a pitch that does not allow for even competition between bat and ball is considered unsatisfactory. That means it’s either too biased toward the batsman or too biased toward the bowler.
Pitches deemed dangerous due to endangering player safety will be assessed as unsuitable.
How is the outfield graded?
According to the International Cricket Council, a satisfactory outfield should be well-turfed, flat, provide occasional variable bounce, have a medium pace and provide adequate drainage.
An unsatisfactory outfield with too many exposed patches, too much irregular bounce, slow tempo and inadequate drainage.
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If the safety of a bowler or fielder is compromised by the surface, the outfield will be rated unfit.
What happens if the pitch or outfield is deemed unsatisfactory or unsuitable?
Venues with hazardous pitches or outfields are assessed as unsuitable [Getty Images]
One point will be deducted for unsatisfactory pitches or outfields.
Unsuitable pitches or outfields will be penalized up to three points.
If a venue is deducted six points within five years, it will be suspended from hosting international cricket matches for 12 months.
Venues that are deducted 12 points within five years will have their right to host the competition suspended for two years.
If a field has both its pitch and outfield rated as unsatisfactory or unsatisfactory in the same game, the higher penalty will be applied.
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No Test pitches have been rated unsatisfactory since grading was simplified in November 2023, but the pitch for the two-day Ashes Test in Melbourne in December 2025 was rated “unsatisfactory”.
Why does the ICC have pitch ratings?
Ratings were introduced to protect players and promote fair play between bat and ball in Test matches.
The standard of pitching is crucial in influencing the outcome of a match, a wicket that favors spin may favor one team, or a pitch that favors seams helps the side that bowls faster.
The ICC said the Test pitch should allow players to showcase all individual skills of the game at all stages of the game and “should be slightly in favor of the bowling team”.
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“As the game progresses, typical pitches should deteriorate, with bounce becoming more erratic and the ball deviating increasingly from worn surfaces,” it added.
Match referees also take into account changes in playing conditions, with Tests in the subcontinent offering a greater degree of rotation on the first day, for example.
All pitches will be judged on match performance, although the quality of the match, the duration of the match and the performance of individuals within the match will also have a positive impact on the ratings.
How does grading work in ODI or T20 cricket?
The International Cricket Federation uses the same four classifications to review pitches in white-ball cricket, with the main difference being that the pitches should be aimed more in favor of the batsmen.
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A really good pitch should have no seam movement, good carry, little bounce and little or no spin.
A satisfactory pitch lacks flight and bounce, while a pitch judged as unsatisfactory has excessive unevenness, excessive seam movement, minimal flight or bounce, and excessive spin.
Unqualified and unqualified pitches will be subject to the same penalties as in Test cricket.
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