The SCG pitch for the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, which was dominated by pace bowlers who gained lavish seam movement and some uneven bounce, has been rated "satisfactory" by the ICC match referee, and Cricket Australia has termed it a "step in the right direction" for surfaces at the venue.

Sydney: Four out of five pitches used in the recent Border-Gavaskar Test series between India and Australia have been rated 'very good' by the ICC, which found the track for the fifth and final game in Sydney to be 'satisfactory,

Although the ICC set January 12 as the deadline for teams participating in the Champions Trophy to announce their provisional squads, the BCCI is expected to make its announcement a week later.

The BCCI may delay announcing India's provisional Champions Trophy squad, initially expected by January 12, citing commitments in Australia. The ICC had requested squads five weeks before the tournament but India seeks an extension.

BCCI has decided to request an extension from the ICC to announce India's squad for the Champions Trophy, which was supposed to be revealed by January 12.