No ducking batting problems for England as first Test pitch rated ‘very good’

England’s batters have no excuses for their struggles in the first Ashes Test according to the International Cricket Council, who have handed the Perth pitch its highest possible rating.

Ben Stokes’ side lost all 20 wickets in just 67.3 overs at the crease in the series opener, the first two-day finish between the rivals in 104 years. Opener Zak Crawley was out for nought in each innings, adding to a painful tally of 11 single figure dismissals.

Australia were also skittled rapidly in their first attempt before a stunning fourth-innings century from Travis Head reversed the trend of ball dominating bat.

Local media had dubbed the 22-yard strip a “green monster” but the verdict is now in and it concludes that the track was not part of the problem. Match referee Ranjan Madugalle’s pitch report has confirmed the officials saw the surface at Perth Stadium as an ideal Test surface.

It was graded as “very good”, the best of four possible ratings, with praise for “good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers”.

Cricket Australia (CA) took a heavy financial hit on lost ticket revenue and matchday spend, while enormous quantities of unused food were donated to local charities in Western Australia.

CA’s chief of cricket James Allsopp said: “The match referee’s ‘very good’ rating justifies our belief Perth Stadium produced a pitch that provided a fair balance between bat and ball.

“The dominance of some brilliant pace bowling from both sides and the frenetic nature of the contest meant the match lasted only two days.

“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.”

Meanwhile, England have booked an extra training session in Brisbane as they look to bounce back from the bruising defeat in the first Ashes Test.

Ben Stokes’ wounded squad left the scene of their false start behind them as they swapped Western Australia for Queensland, where preparations will begin for the day/night second Test beginning next Thursday.

Having courted criticism by declining to send any of their first-choice players for a pink ball warm-up in Canberra this weekend – with squad members Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts the only senior additions to the England Lions group – they will spend five days working together in the run-up to the match.

Four sessions will take place at the Test venue from Sunday onwards, two in the afternoon and two under the floodlights, but an additional, optional slot has also been arranged on Saturday.

Management have booked the Allan Border Field, named after the former Australia captain and home to the country’s national academy, for a morning workout.

It will provide a first opportunity for players to get back to action after the disappointment of their premature defeat in Perth.

England were met by camera crews and media at departures and arrivals, facing further questions over their schedule.

“We’re thinking about what we need to do in Brisbane, mate,” Stokes said in a brief exchange with a Channel 7 reporter.

“We’re preparing as best we can and we’re look forward to the next game,” was Joe Root’s brief response.