ICC launches probe into 'poor' Galle wicket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced an inquiry into the dusty, sub-standard pitch prepared in Galle for last week's first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia.

The ICC announced that the pitch for the Galle Test "has been rated as poor" by Chris Broad, the member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees who officiated in the Test.

The ICC's General Manager -- Cricket, David Richardson, and the ICC's chief match referee, Ranjan Madugalle will now consider all the evidence, including studying video footage of the match and submissions from the host Board, before reaching their decision in due course.

Galle hosted the first Test between the two sides that was played from August 31 to September 3.

Australia won the Test by 125 runs, with 40 wickets falling for 841 runs in 289.5 overs.

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In accordance with the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, which came into effect in 2006 and applies to all Tests, ODIs and T20Is, Broad submitted a report to the ICC expressing his concerns over the quality of the pitch.

In accordance with the regulations governing the process, the ICC has provided Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with a copy of Broad's report and requested the SLC to respond within 14 days.