The ratings were introduced to protect players and promote a fair contest between the bat and ball in Test matches.

The standard of pitch is crucial in influencing the outcome of a game, with spin-friendly wickets potentially favouring one team, or a seam-friendly pitch helping the side with faster bowlers.

The ICC says a Test pitch should allow all the individual skills of the game to be demonstrated by the players at various stages of the match, and “should slightly favour the bowling team”.

“An exemplary pitch should be expected to deteriorate as the match progresses, with bounce becoming more inconsistent and the ball deviating more off the wearing surface,” it adds.

The match referee also takes into account variations in playing conditions, with Tests on the sub-continent offering more degree of turn on the first day, for example.

All pitches will be judged on how they play, although the rating can also be positively influenced by the quality of the contest, the longevity of the match, and of the individual performances produced during the match.