The Ashes: MCG curator Matthew Fox in ‘state of shock’ over two-day Test
This is not the first time the Melbourne venue for the Ashes Test has been criticized. In the drawn match of 2017, the surface failed to provide adequate support to the bowlers, resulting in a dull contest.
Only 24 wickets fell throughout the match as England’s Alastair Cook reached an unbeaten 244.
Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox has since revealed the pitches have been reviewed and Page provided details of the surfaces used for the recent Tests.
While some MCG fields in this year’s competition had grass longer than 10 mm, last year’s match between Australia and India entered its fifth day on a field with 7 mm grass.
This year Page opted to use 10mm turf due to the warm weather forecast for the closing stages of the Test. Temperatures are expected to be 32 degrees on Monday, the fourth day.
After approximately 190,000 spectators attended the MCG for the opening two days, there was a sell-out on the third day. The Ashes’ all-time attendance record had the potential to be broken.
CA is not insured against loss of income from this Test. The A$10 million figure is significant but does not have a huge impact on the A$600 million revenue forecast for the financial year.
Fox announced that there were discussions about players returning for an exhibition match on the third day in order to please ticket holders and broadcasters. It is understood that these talks have not progressed far enough to be brought up with the England team.
“Alternatives were discussed,” he said. “There was talk that the players would come out and score goals, but this did not happen.”
Fox said he had “full confidence” in Page and believed he was the best groundsman in Australia.
“Obviously we are disappointed that the Test was completed in two days,” Fox said. “We didn’t plan for this and we didn’t want this to happen. These are challenging times for us.
“This pitch clearly gave the bowlers an advantage and did not give the batsmen a good opportunity to prepare. This shows the slim margins that Matt and his team are dealing with.
“We understand the impact this has on the fans and Cricket Australia. I have all the confidence in Matt and his team.”
Fox also confirmed that perishable food items to be used in the Boxing Day test will be donated to a local charity.
