The Melbourne Cricket Ground’s (MCG) head curator has acknowledged that the pitch preparation for the Boxing Day Test favoured bowlers excessively, while the stadium’s chief executive has defended the curator following the match’s conclusion within two days. Cricket Australia is anticipating a significant financial loss as a result of the shortened Test, which concluded between Australia and England.
MCG Pitch Preparation Criticized
Matthew Page, the MCG’s head curator, stated he was “in a state of shock” while watching the match unfold. He admitted staff went “too far” in preparing a pitch that heavily favoured bowlers.
Page explained he left 10 mm of grass on the pitch, compared to 7mm the previous year. He stated the intention was to account for anticipated hot weather and maintain seam movement throughout the match.
“You look back at it and you go, ‘well, it’s favoured the bowlers too much days one and two’,” Page said at a press conference. “If that doesn’t happen, then we set ourselves up really good for day three and four.”
The pitch proved difficult for batters on both sides, with significant sideways movement. Page emphasized the importance of seam movement for an engaging Test match, but acknowledged they had “gone too far” with this preparation.
Criticism of the pitch extended to fast-bowling greats such as Stuart Broad, Glenn McGrath, and Brett Lee, who deemed it unfair to batters. England captain Ben Stokes also criticized the pitch, despite his team’s victory.
Support for the Curator
Despite the criticism, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) boss Stuart Fox expressed full confidence in Page and his team. He stated Page was brought in eight years ago due to his reputation as one of the best curators in the country.
Fox suggested that aggressive batting also contributed to the quick dismissals. He affirmed his support for Page, stating, “When you believe in your people, you get behind them and support them and I know he’ll respond.”
Australia star Travis Head also voiced support for Page, acknowledging the difficulty of pitch preparation. “I feel for him, it’s bloody tough,” Head said.
The Australia and England teams will have an extended break before the fifth and final Test at the SCG, beginning on January 4.
With Australian Associated Press
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