ICC match referee slams Galle pitch

The pitch of the Galle Test between Sri Lanka and Australia has been rated as poor by the match referee Chris Broad, the ICC announced on Monday.

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

Galle hosted the first Test between the two sides from August 31 to September 3, which was won by Australia by 125 runs with 40 wickets falling for 841 runs in 289.5 overs.

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.

Under clause 3, 4 and 5 of the regulations governing the process, the ICC has provided Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with a copy of Broad's report and requested the Board to respond.

The SLC now has 14 days to provide a reply to the ICC's request.

The ICC will make no further comments until Richardson and Madugalle have reached their decision.