WPCA issues statement after Newlands’ ‘unsatisfactory’ ICC rating
The WPCA has acknowledged the ICC’s assessment of the Newlands pitch for the second Test between South Africa and India as ‘unsatisfactory’.
The Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has acknowledged the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) assessment of the Newlands pitch for the second Test between South Africa and India as ‘unsatisfactory’ under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, the WPCA said that it “is committed to upholding the highest standards of cricket and ensuring that the playing conditions at Newlands are of the highest possible quality. We respect the concerns raised by the ICC Match Referee, Mr. Chris Broad, and we take this feedback seriously.”
The statement added: “As a responsible cricketing body, we will work closely with Cricket South Africa (CSA) to review the Match Referee’s report thoroughly and identify all areas for improvement.
“The Board of WPCA, with support from CSA, has committed itself to a comprehensive turnaround strategy to address the recent misfortunes at WPCA, which includes restoring Newlands Cricket Ground to its former glory.
“We appreciate the feedback we have received from our various stakeholders. WPCA is committed to addressing the concerns they have raised, and we remain dedicated to providing an excellent cricketing experience for players and fans alike at Newlands.”
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As reported by The South African website, the ICC handed an “unsatisfactory” rating and one demerit point to the pitch that hosted the New Year’s Test.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has reportedly confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that it will not appeal the sanction, which an official called a “fair” assessment of the surface.
The match, which India won by seven wickets, ended in less than five sessions and lasted just 642 balls, which made it the shortest result Test in the game’s history.
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Mohammed Siraj’s 6/15 skittled South Africa for 55 in their first innings, while India managed a 98-run lead on the back of their 153.
A brilliant counter-attacking hundred from Aiden Markram proved inadequate in the third innings as India were set a target of 79.
India won shortly after lunch on Day 2.
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ICC match referee Chris Broad handed out the “unsatisfactory” rating after consulting with captains Dean Elgar and Rohit Sharma, both of whom, according to an ICC release, felt the pitch “was below standard”.
“The pitch in Newlands was very difficult to bat on,” Broad said.
“The ball bounced quickly and sometimes alarmingly throughout the match, making it difficult to play shots. Several batters were hit on the gloves and many wickets also fell due to the awkward bounce.”
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Under the ICC’s monitoring process, pitches and outfields can be rated very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or unfit.
One demerit point is awarded to venues for an unsatisfactory rating, and three demerit points for an unfit rating.
Demerit points remain active for a rolling five-year period.
A venue stands to be suspended from hosting international cricket for a 12-month period if it accumulates six demerit points, and suspended for 24 months if it reaches a threshold of 12 demerit points.