The Indore Test pitch that produced 31 wickets in six-and-a-half sessions between India and Australia has been hit with a "poor" rating by the International Cricket Council.
Match referee Chris Broad wasted no time handing down his verdict, with the ICC confirming the rating about seven hours after Australia completed an upset nine-wicket victory before lunch on day three of the match at Holkar Stadium.
"The pitch, which was very dry, did not provide a balance between bat and ball, favouring spinners from the start," Broad said.
"The fifth ball of the match broke through the pitch surface and continued to occasionally break the surface providing little or no seam movement and there was excessive and uneven bounce throughout the match."
Poor ratings for pitches cost venues three demerit points, with any ground that accrues five demerits over a five-year period in danger of being banned from hosting international cricket for 12 months.
Out of the 31 wickets to fall, 26 were taken by spinners as Australians Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann enjoyed success, while Indian pair Ravi Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin continued their dominant form.
India demolished Australia in the first two Tests in Nagpur and Delhi, with conditions dramatically suiting spinners, and the ICC gave both those venues "average" ratings.
But it was clear from day one in Indore, this pitch was going to offer even more for spinners as balls turned and bounced sharply.
Indore was a last-minute choice to host the third Test after the BCCI on February 12 deemed the ground in Dharamsala to be unsuitable for the match.
While disappointed to lose by nine wickets, India captain Rohit Sharma backed his team to succeed on turning, difficult pitches at home.
"It was our call to play on such pitches. We knew that we could face challenges as well, but we were ready for these challenges," Sharma said.
"We want to play to our strength at home and not worry what the people outside are talking about. Our strength is spin and our batting depth.
"People have to play well for the game to last for five days.
"Games are not lasting for five days, even outside India."
Acting Australia captain Steve Smith said Usman Khawaja and Indian No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara had proved runs could be scored on tough pitches.
"I personally really enjoy playing on these kind of wickets, I prefer this than just a genuine flat wicket that goes five days and can be boring in stages," Smith said.
"Guys can do it, you've got to work hard for them and you need some luck.
"With this one, whether it might have been a little bit too extreme, potentially from the first ball, I'm not really entirely sure - but it was still enjoyable."
The BCCI have 14 days to decide if they wish to appeal the sanction.
