Australia complain to the ICC

Cricket Australia has officially lodged a complaint with the ICC over the pitch prepared for last month’s fourth Test against India in Mumbai. Ca has written to the ICC to state its concerns over the Mumbai pitch, on which 40 wickets fell in less than three days and India registered a 13-run victory for a consolation win in the four-Test series which they lost 2-1. CA chief executive James Sutherland said yesterday that while nothing could now be done about the wicket prepared in Mumbai last month, steps could be taken to address the issue of substandard pitches in future.

“It’s not all about Mumbai — that’s gone,” Sutherland was quoted as saying in ’Sydney morning herald’ today.

He said CA had no problem with pitches reflecting local conditions — hard and bouncy in Australia, dry and dusty in India — but it felt Mumbai’s wicket was a step too far.

CA would also consider raising the matter at the ICC’s next international chief executive’s meeting, in Melbourne in February, he said.