The International Cricket Council has rated the Perth Stadium pitch as "very good" despite the first Ashes Test ending within two days. A lot of wickets fell in the Test between Australia and England, but according to ICC, the surface still contained a fair contest for batting and bowling. Why ICC Rated the Pitch “Very Good” ICC applied its four-tier pitch rating system, with “very good” being the highest grade. “A pitch graded as very good should have good carry, limited seam movement and consistent bounce, especially early in the match,” the ICC said. “This should enable fast bowlers to utilise the surface well throughout the match but should also give batsmen a fair opportunity to score if they play with control.” The ICC said that the Perth pitch did just that. There was some movement for the bowlers, but the bounce was largely true. And so, both sides had the opportunity to succeed with bat and ball. It was an action-packed Test where 19 wickets fell on the first day. England was bowled out for 172, with Mitchell Starc taking a brilliant 7-58. Australia then collapsed to 121-9 by stumps, showing that the pitch challenged both sides. On day two, England were dismissed for 164, leaving Australia with a target. Travis Head then played an outstanding knock of 123 from 83 balls, taking Australia to an eight-wicket win and a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series. Also Read | Why Australia Shows Wickets Before Runs in Cricket Scorecard: Know Here Cricket Australia Reacts to ICC Rating Cricket Australia welcomed the ICC's decision. James Allsopp, CA's chief of cricket, said the rating proved the pitch was not unfair and was not an uneven pitch. He explained that the primary factors contributing to the speed at which the Test finished were the good bowling by both sides and the fast-paced nature of the game. Allsopp acknowledged that supporters with tickets for days three and four were disappointed as the match finished early, but added that many exciting moments were produced during the contest that drew the attention of millions of viewers. That means a big loss in revenue for Cricket Australia, given that day three was sold out. Yet the early finish meant one positive outcome: hundreds of kilograms of leftover food prepared for the crowds at Perth Stadium were donated to people in need, so nothing would go to waste. The series now moves to Brisbane, where the second Test will be a day-night match starting on December 4. The Gabba pitch is known for its fast and bouncy surface, so another lively contest is expected.