MCG Curator Addresses Pitch Controversy Ahead of Boxing Day Test
MELBOURNE: In response to allegations of providing inferior practice pitches to the Indian cricket team, MCG curator Matt Page clarified that it is standard procedure to deliver fresh pitches only three days prior to a Test match. This statement comes as the Indian squad prepares for the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test.
Following a rigorous training session, Indian captain Rohit Sharma experienced an injury scare but is expected to be fit for the match. Pacer Akash Deep voiced concerns about the practice pitches, noting, “The ball was keeping a bit low at times. They look like white-ball pitches.” Page acknowledged these remarks, explaining the pitch preparation timeline: “For us, three days out, we prepare pitches for here. If teams come and play before that, they get what pitches we’ve had.”
Despite some criticism from parts of the Australian media, including comments about “mind games” from former player Simon Katich, Page assured that the MCG pitch will offer the typical characteristics of pace and bounce. “It will be a rinse and repeat job, meaning pace, bounce, and carry, though it won’t be as lively as some Sheffield Shield pitches earlier in the season,” he explained.
As temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees on Boxing Day, Page confirmed that preparations will continue as planned. “It’s been factored in. As we know with Melbourne, the weather can change quite quickly,” he added.
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