Kandy pitch rated as 'below average'

Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees has rated the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch in Kandy that was used for the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as "below average". 

The venue has received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

ICC confirmed the news through a press release on Wednesday. 

"The character of the pitch hardly changed over the course of five days. There was no shift in balance between bat and ball as the game progressed. The pitch remained batting-friendly throughout, resulting in a total of 1289 runs scored in the match for the loss of 17 wickets at an average of 75.82 runs per wicket, which is very high. Therefore, in keeping with the ICC guidelines I rate this pitch as below average," the press release said.

Ranjan Madugalle's report has been forwarded to Sri Lanka Cricket.

The second Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will begin tomorrow at the same venue.