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The pitch prepared for the first Ashes Test has received the best possible rating from the International Cricket Council, intensifying the spotlight on England's disastrous batting display.
Match referee Ranjan Madugalle rated the Perth wicket "very good", Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement on Thursday, despite the fact Ben Stokes' team lasted only 67.3 overs across its two innings in the first two-day Ashes Test since 1890.
Under the ICC's four-tier rating system, "very good" characterises a pitch with "good carry, limited seam movement and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers".
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The tourists were 1-65 in their second dig and leading by 105 runs. Then came an appalling batting collapse and an electric Travis Head knock.
"The match referee's 'very good' rating justifies our belief Perth Stadium produced a pitch that provided a fair balance between bat and ball," said Cricket Australia chief James Allsopp.
"The dominance of some brilliant pace bowling from both sides and the frenetic nature of the contest meant the match lasted only two days.
Ben Stokes and his team after the Ashes opener. Getty
"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.
"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 Australians stormed to an eight-wicket win but they also displayed some woeful batting at stages in the match.
The hosts lasted only 45.2 overs in their first dig, folding for 132 in reply to England's 172.
"Both teams played their part in the quick finish," Perth Stadium chief executive Mike McKenna told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"I don't want to let Australia off the hook. After last year, they'd have had more awareness what the wicket would be like.
"No one has criticised how the wicket has played. It didn't keep low or bounce outrageously, [and there was] not much sideways movement, just good fast bowling on a fast bowling track until the Poms lost line and length in their fourth innings."
England, whose commitment to "Bazball" is unwavering, has copped a pasting in the aftermath of its reckless batting display.
"When you keep throwing away Test matches by doing the same stupid things, it is impossible to take you seriously," Geoffrey Boycott wrote in a column for The Sydney Morning Herald.
"It was horrendous — there's no other word for it," Ian Botham told PA News Agency.
"If that's the way you play, you might as well go home now because it's going to be 5-0."
Alastair Cook was also scathing, writing in The Times: "Of all the defeats of the Bazball era, this was the most discouraging."
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ICC pitch rating delivers 'horrendous' England another gut punch – Nine
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