Boxing Day Test: Former players lash out at MCG pitch
What's the story
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch has come under fire after a gripping Boxing Day clash, which saw both Australia and England bowled out cheaply. The surface, which was prepared by MCG curator Matt Page, had 10mm of grass left on it—3mm more than last year's Border-Gavaskar Trophy match, as per ESPNcricinfo. This led to significant seam movement for fast bowlers from both teams throughout the day.
Criticism
Former players criticize MCG pitch
Former players Stuart Broad and Glenn McGrath have criticized the pitch for its role in the 20 wickets that fell on day one. "The pitch is doing too much, if I'm brutally honest. Test match bowlers don't need this amount of movement to look threatening," Broad said on SEN Radio. McGrath echoed similar sentiments, saying "this pitch has got far too much grass on it" and it's "got too much life in it for Test cricket."
Balance
MCG pitch: A balance between bat and ball?
The MCG pitch has been more sporting in recent years, unlike the batter-friendly surface that was heavily criticized during the 2017-18 Ashes Test. Alastair Cook, who scored 244 not out in that match, commented on the current pitch, saying "the bowlers didn't have to work hard for their wickets." He added it was an "unfair contest" and questioned how one could hit the ball on such a surface.
Lee's opinion
Brett Lee's take on the MCG pitch
Former fast bowler Brett Lee also weighed in on the debate, saying he thinks "there's a bit too much in it." He added, "I rubbed my hand on the side of the wicket this morning, and you can feel the grass lift up." This is only the second time in this series that all 22 players have batted on day one of a Test match.
Performance comparison
MCG pitch performance compared to Perth
The ball appeared to deviate more off the seam at the MCG than in Perth, with several deliveries moving sharply after pitching. Australia bowler Michael Neser was the standout performer on day one, scoring a counter-attacking 35 from No. 8 and taking 4 for 45 to help bowl England out inside 30 overs. He suggested that "the pitch might yet flatten out," defending both teams' aggressive approach toward batting.
Summary
Ashes: 20 wickets fall on Day 1 of MCG Test
The fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes series witnessed a dramatic first day with a staggering 20 wickets falling at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia, batting first, were bowled out for 152 runs. However, they quickly turned the tables by dismissing England for just 110 runs. The match now hangs in the balance as Australia ended Day 1 with a lead of 46 runs and all 10 second-innings wickets intact (4/0).