SCG curator Adam Lewis confident of quality pitch despite pre-match nerves
Curators were under the spotlight over the summer following two-day Tests in Perth and Melbourne; The second pitch was later labeled “inadequate” by the International Cricket Council.
Lewis said he called Page after the Melbourne curator appeared before the media alongside MCC chief executive Stuart Fox on the now unavailable third day of the Test, and the press conference was broadcast live on some television networks.
The center wicket at the SCG on Friday morning, two days after the start of the fifth Test.Credit: Getty Images
“We are heartbroken for Matty and his entire team,” Lewis said. “It’s something we didn’t plan. We’re trying to prepare a great surface for everyone. We want the players to control the game.
“Man, I feel bad for him. You’ve got 21 minutes, it’s pretty daunting. I hope we can get the job done early today.”
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Although there have been no instructions from Cricket Australia on what kind of pitch will be prepared, Lewis is aware of the desire for the match to continue until the fifth day.
Even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned the Test should last at least three days at an event for the teams at Kirribilli House on Thursday evening.
“To be completely honest with you, I don’t listen to the media,” Lewis said. “I don’t read the newspapers. I try to stay away from all that.”
“I’m a really positive person. I’ve got to make sure my team stays positive. I’m just trying to make it as fun as possible for the kids. We want this to be a five-day Test.
“One of my most memorable [matches] last was Ashes [at the SCG]. On day five I was sitting watching Steve Smith bowl. We didn’t get a result that year but it was one of the best Test matches I’ve ever seen. I will never forget this.
