The surface used for the second Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur was judged ‘unsatisfactory’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and was docked one demerit point.
After talking with the captains of both teams, Match Referee David Boon sent his report to the ICC, outlining the concerns of the match officials.
The former Australia batsman described the pitch as “under-prepared,” with “inconsistent bounce and balls bursting from the surface” in his report.
“The outfield was excellent and held up exceptionally well in the rain.” The surface, however, appeared to have been underprepared, as it was not hard and was covered in grass clippings on day one.
“From the first session on, the bounce was inconsistent throughout the match, with numerous balls bursting the surface.” Spin bowlers’ deliveries frequently went over the batter’s shoulder while playing forward and then stayed quite low on occasion,” he remarked.
The demerit point will be in effect for five years. If the venue receives six demerit points, it will be barred from hosting international cricket for a year.