Trent Bridge wicket slammed in ICC report

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE face the possibility of a severe fine for providing a substandard pitch at Trent Bridge for the drawn first Investec Test.

In a report on the condition of the pitch, International Cricket Council match referee David Boon described it as “poor”.

The much- criticised, ultra- slow surface resulted in a stalemate between England and India.

Now the England and Wales Cricket Board has 14 days to provide the ICC with its response to Boon’s judgment.

Twenty nine wickets eventually fell over an almost uninterrupted full five days in Nottingham, where there were two century 10th- wicket stands - including James Anderson and Joe Root’s world-record 198 for England.

A copy of the report has been forwarded to the ECB, which now has 14 days to provide its response.

The ICC’s general manager Geoff Allardice and chief match referee Ranjan Ma d u g a l l e will then consider the response and evidence before a final confirmation is made on whether the pitch was, indeed, “poor” and, if so, what penalty is in order.

Nottinghamshire could face a fine of up to £8000.

In a statement, Trent Bridge chief executive Lisa Pursehouse said: “We are naturally disappointed to have produced a pitch rated poor, which is at odds with our record of produci ng consistently good pitches for international matches at Trent Bridge,” she said.

“The role of a Test match venue groundsman is fraught with immense pressure and variable factors, and we are blessed to have one of the very best in Steve Birks.

“We will cooperate fully with this process, and re- establish our enduring reputation for producing good cricket wickets.”

Meanwhile the MCC was moved to issue an apology on its official Twitter feed after a member of the groundstaff was spotted apparently absent- mindedly sliding his feet along the Test pitch at Lord’s during yesterday’s third day of the second test against India.

He was not wearing spikes or studs, so any significant effect on the playing area would be highly unlikely.

A statement, on the Lord’s Ground Twitter feed, read: “MCC admits a genuine, honest mistake – and there was no intent to damage the pitch.”