Australia’s stand-in captain, Steve Smith, shared his thoughts on the MCG pitch following the quick conclusion of the Boxing Day Test, where England triumphed in just two days. Smith mentioned that a slight adjustment in the grass length could have impacted the game’s outcome. The MCG pitch faced scrutiny as 36 wickets fell within 142 overs during the match.
“It obviously offered a lot, 36 wickets in two days, it offered plenty. Had it been either 2mm shorter or a little less thatchy with 10mm, it might have been alright, but I’m not a groundsman, so it’s hard to judge,” Smith stated. The MCG has previously been criticized for producing batting-friendly pitches, notably during the 2017 Ashes Test, which drew widespread disapproval.
Smith noted the evolution of the MCG pitch over the years, stating, “It’s probably changed more into a better cricket wicket where bat and ball are competing against each other.” The match dynamics have shifted with batters adopting a more aggressive approach. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc also emphasized the undesirability of two-day Test matches and suggested adjustments to the pitch conditions for a more balanced game.
Starc highlighted the need to avoid short Test matches, stating, “You probably don’t want to see two-day Test matches, so they probably got it (the grass on the pitch) slightly too high.” Reflecting on previous pitch conditions, he suggested modifications to ensure a fair playing surface. Both Smith and Starc emphasized the importance of adapting quickly and focusing on the upcoming matches.
