AUS vs IND: MCG Curator Addresses India’s Concerns Over Practice Pitch
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 is set to host an electrifying fourth Test at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26. This match, a part of the much-loved "Boxing Day" tradition promises to draw eyeballs as fans keenly watch how the pitch and weather might influence the series result.
As the match approaches, MCG head curator Matt Page said India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah would flourish under the conditions. The series is currently balanced at 1-1 with India claiming a commanding 295-run victory in Perth but then suffering a 10-wicket loss in Adelaide's pink-ball game. The third Test at Brisbane's Gabba ended in a rain-hit draw. India is going for a historic third successive series win in Australia, while the Aussies are keen to regain their dominance on home soil.
In recent years, the MCG has shifted its focus on pitch preparation to deliver more pace and bounce. Matt Page, the head curator, said that although the wicket might not be as quick as Perth or Brisbane, it will still have enough life to keep pace bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah interested. To that, Day One weather is expected to be sizzling hot at 40 degrees, which Page believes would make the surface even quicker and more bowler-friendly.
"All the good bowlers get excited when they come here now. It gets through well for us. We're never going to be as quick as Perth and Brisbane, but over the last few years we've managed to get some pace in it, which has created that excitement. There's a bit of grass on it. If you're a fast bowler and you look at it, you probably do get excited. It probably means it might quicken up a bit quicker than what it would if it was 20 (degrees). Whether we leave a bit more moisture in it, I can't say yes or no at this stage. We'll keep monitoring the weather ... and adjust our preparation accordingly. We've been really happy with the last couple of years, so it's a rinse-and-repeat job for us," Page said as quoted by The WA Today.
Bumrah’s Variations Key to India’s Boxing Day Test Hopes
This Test is highly important for India, and Jasprit Bumrah is going to play a key role in it. He is known for his precision and variety. He has been outstanding in the entire series and will try to exploit the MCG surface to trouble the Australian batting lineup.
Just ahead of the fourth Test, there was a controversy over practice pitches. Indian media reports had said that the Australian board favored the home team by allocating favorable pitches for practice sessions. In reaction to the allegations, MCG curator Matt Page clarified matters while announcing the expected playing conditions for the Boxing Day Test.
Page said they prepared Test match pitches three days in advance. Teams who began their practice earlier than this received previously prepared pitches. He added that, if India had wished to start training on the particular morning, they would have gotten a new pitch. "Three days out, we prepare Test match pitches. If teams train before that, they get what's available". Fresh pitches today. India had also trained this morning, hence, they would have received fresh pitches as well. It's standard procedure," said Page.