MELBOURNE: Melbourne Cricket Ground head curator Matt Page said he was in a “state of shock” after watching the fourth Ashes Test collapse. The game ended in just two days. Cricket Australia now faces millions in revenue losses.
Page and his team left 10 millimetres of grass on the pitch. This gave fast bowlers excessive seam movement and bounce. Batting became extremely difficult. Thirty-six wickets fell in 142 overs. Twenty fell on the first day alone. England won by four wickets. It was their first win in Australia since January 2011.
Financial Hit
More than 90,000 fans were expected on day three. Many more were expected for days four and five. Tickets had to be refunded. Cricket Australia faces another financial blow after the first Ashes Test in Perth also ended in two days. It is the first time in 129 years that a series had multiple two-day Tests.
Curator’s Explanation
Page said weather influenced his pitch decision. Cool and wet conditions before the Test, combined with forecast heat for later days, led him to leave the grass longer. He said they aim to balance the contest between bat and ball over four or five days. “We knew we needed our grass for the hot weather,” he added.
Criticism of the Pitch
Players and former cricketers criticized the surface. England captain Ben Stokes called it “not ideal.” Australia’s Steve Smith said, “36 wickets across two days is probably too much.” Former England captain Michael Vaughan labelled the pitch “a joke.”
Support from MCG
Despite the backlash, MCG chief executive Stuart Fox defended Page. “We believe in Matt. He is one of the best in the country,” Fox said. He added that Page carries responsibility and deserves support.
