Ever since the International Cricket Council rated Perth’s stadium as average, many former and present cricketers have raised their opinion on the matter. With the likes of Mitchell Johnson, Michael Vaughan and coach Justin Langer questioning the ICC’s decision to rate the pitch as ‘average’, which is the lowest pass mark provided by the ICC when they rate the pitch and outfield of Test grounds.

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar was the latest to speak on the matter and felt that the pitch in Perth was by no means ‘average’ and such pitches tests the abilities of a cricketer.

Tendulkar took to Twitter to voice his opinion. “Pitches play a crucial role, especially in Test cricket. In order to revive Test cricket and generate excitement, we need to provide more pitches like the one at Perth, where the skills of batsmen and bowlers are truly TESTed. This pitch was by no means “Average”.

The ICC introduced a disciplinary system at the start of the year in a bid to improve the standard of pitches around the world and can provide five ratings — very good, good, average, below average and poor when rating Test venues.

Earlier, pacer Mitchell Starc expressed his disappointment at ICC rating the Optus Stadium pitch was as “average” after Australia beat India in the second Test by 146 runs.

“Just as a cricketing fan, it was a bit disappointing to see Perth pitch being rated average. I thought it was a fantastic battle between bat and ball, which is what you want in Test cricket,” Starc said ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

“Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG,” Johnson had tweeted. Former England skipper Vaughan dubbed Perth’s pitch as ‘exciting’ and said that there should be more pitches likes this.