The pitch used for the second Test between Australia and India has reportedly been rated ‘average’, which is just pass marks in cricketing terms.

Cricket Australia’s website cricket.com.au reported that the wicket at the new Perth Stadium has received ‘the lowest possible pass mark from the ICC’.

The report stated that match referee Ranjan Madugalle gave his rating after some batsmen were hit on the body due to alarming bounce even as many deliveries barely bounced over the ankle.

In an effort to improve ground conditions, the ICC had introduced a system for Test venues with five ratings – very good, good, average, below average and poor.

Australia batsman Aaron Finch retired hurt after a Mohammed Shami delivery hit him on the right glove in Perth. Also, Usman Khawaja and Marcus Harris were hit on the body by rising deliveries. Moreover, Pat Cummins was bowled by a delivery that stayed dangerously low.

The report stated the Adelaide Oval pitch received a ‘very good’ rating.

Last year, the Melbourne pitch received a ‘poor’ rating as Australia and England played out a draw on a wicket that barely changed in nature. MCG’s curator Matt Page has been tasked with putting more life into the pitch for Boxing Day Test.