NEW DELHI: MCG pitch curator Matt Page has finally addressed the heavy criticism surrounding the pitch used for the Boxing Day Ashes Test, which ended inside two days.
While England celebrated a rare Test win at the venue, the surface itself became the centre of intense debate across the cricketing world.
Speaking after the match, Page admitted the outcome left him shaken.
“I was in a state of shock. I have never been involved in a Test match like it and hopefully never involved in a Test match like that again.”
Page accepted that the match did not unfold as intended and acknowledged the need for reflection.
“We know this hasn’t gone as we planned. We will look at what we need to do to improve,” he said.
Explaining the philosophy behind the preparation, Page stressed that the aim was to ensure a balanced contest rather than a bowler friendly surface from the start.
“We’re trying to balance that contest between bat and ball throughout, over the four or five days, to provide that captivating Test for all,” he said.
Page also pointed to weather conditions as a key factor in how the pitch was prepared.
“We left it longer because we knew we were going to get hot weather at the back end and we knew we needed our grass,” he said.
Despite the explanation, the pitch drew sharp criticism from former players and fans, many of whom felt it was unsuitable for a marquee fixture like the Boxing Day Test. Batters from both sides struggled to cope with movement and uneven bounce, leaving the contest heavily tilted towards the bowlers.
England sealed a four wicket victory as the Boxing Day Test finished inside two days. Australia were dismissed for 152 and 132, while England replied with 110 before comfortably chasing 178. The match was dominated by seamers on an MCG surface that faced severe criticism.
