ECB likely to be fined after referee Boon condemns pitch as poor

LONDON: English cricket authorities faced the prospect of a $15,000 fine after the docile Trent Bridge pitch on which England and India played out a draw in last week’s first Test was rated as “poor” by match referee David Boon.

Former Australia batsman Boon’s verdict, announced by the International Cricket Council on Saturday, is the first time a Test pitch in England has been labelled as “poor” by a match referee.

Boon oversaw proceedings at Trent Bridge where, almost from the start of the match, there were complaints about an unusually dry and lifeless surface which denied the faster bowlers their due reward.

Indeed so severe was the criticism, that groundsman Steve Birks took the unusual step of issuing a public apology.

The ICC said Boon’s report has been forwarded to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which now has 14 days to respond.

When that response is received, the ICC’s general manager of cricket and chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle will consider all the available evidence to decide whether they agree with Boon’s assessment and, if so, what penalty, if any, should be imposed.

The first time a pitch is rated as “poor” by the ICC, a warning and or fine not exceeding $15,000 can be imposed, together with a directive for “appropriate corrective action”.