Gavaskar Slams ICC Over Two-Day Test in Australia

By Thetripurapost Desk, Mumbai
Aug 26, 2026
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Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the Mackay pitch following Australia's emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the second Test, questioning whether international cricket applies consistent standards when assessing Test surfaces.

Australia defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs inside two days at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on August 23. The result levelled the two-match series 1-1, with Mitchell Starc producing a sensational 10-wicket match haul.

The unusually short Test has once again brought the condition and preparation of Australian pitches under scrutiny. The Mackay match was the second-shortest Test played in Australia, according to ESPNcricinfo's match report.

Gavaskar Questions ICC's Pitch Standards

Gavaskar has argued that similar two-day Tests in India would attract considerably greater criticism and scrutiny. He questioned why Australian pitches producing extremely short matches do not always receive the same level of attention.

His comments came after Bangladesh were dismissed for only 64 runs in their first innings and 95 in the second. Australia, meanwhile, made 210, with Cameron Green top-scoring with 67.

The surface at Mackay offered substantial assistance to fast bowlers. Mitchell Starc exploited the conditions brilliantly, claiming 6-12 in the first innings before adding four more wickets later to complete his fourth Test 10-wicket haul.

Mackay Pitch Compared With Gabba Conditions

The Mackay surface had been described before the match as having similarities to the Gabba, with expectations of additional bounce. Australia’s pace attack took full advantage, while Bangladesh struggled to adapt to the conditions.

The match produced an extraordinary 18 wickets on the opening day, highlighting just how heavily the pitch favoured the bowlers.

Gavaskar has also questioned whether the pitch preparation was simply the result of routine groundskeeping decisions or whether Australia's desire for a fast, bouncy surface following their first-Test defeat played a role.

Will Mackay Pitch Receive a 'Very Good' Rating?

The debate has intensified over reports that the Mackay pitch could receive a "very good" rating from the match referee. Gavaskar has suggested that such an assessment would underline the inconsistency he believes exists in the treatment of Test pitches.

The controversy is particularly notable because the Mackay Test was completed in only two days. Cricket Australia itself described the result as a third two-day Test in the last seven home Tests, while ESPNcricinfo listed it among the shortest Tests in Australian cricket history.

Australia Level Series Against Bangladesh

Australia's victory came after Bangladesh produced a major upset by winning the opening Test in Darwin. The hosts responded strongly in Mackay, with Starc's devastating bowling performance proving decisive.

Australia's innings-and-51-run victory levelled the series 1-1. Starc finished with match figures of 10-51 and was instrumental in Australia's turnaround.

Gavaskar's comments have therefore added another dimension to the discussion surrounding the Mackay pitch, ICC pitch ratings and the treatment of Test surfaces in Australia and India.