James allsopp

The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the playing surface for the first Ashes Test in Perth as 'very good' after the series opener was wrapped up within two days.

The entire Test match lasted just 847 deliveries, making it the shortest Ashes Test by balls bowled since 1888.

Match referee Ranjan Madugalle rated the Perth wicket 'very good', which, under the ICC's four-tier rating system, is the highest ranking possible awarded to pitches with "good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers".