Melbourne: The Boxing Day Test, which has been awaited with great anticipation, is now surrounded by an unexpected issue regarding the pitch of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which has posed a question mark for Team India. The third Test of the series will start on 26 December, and the pitch condition changes could definitely make things difficult for the Indian cricket team in their quest to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The MCG pitch curator, Matt Page, has disclosed that the pitch has been intentionally changed for the Test. Addressing reporters on Monday, Page said that this year the surface is going to have a lot more grass cover, an idea meant to increase the competitiveness and excitement of the match. As per his discussion, the higher grass pitch will add some help to the bowlers, but he also ensured that the batting conditions will get better after the ball ages.
“This time, we’ve intentionally left more grass on the pitch surface for the bowling side, especially the seamers, to benefit from it.” Page said. “Nevertheless, the strip should be favorable for the batters as the match advances. Old balls are likely to result in scorching runs, but at first, the bowlers may dominate the game.”
Page elaborated that spinners will not find a lot to benefit from, as the surface was devised to remain intact with only minimal wear and tear after the match. He said that the pitch, together with the wave, would also have considerable bouncers and shakes for new ball bowlers.
Although these tweaks may add excitement for viewers, they might also create hurdles for India, who need to get strong results in the series and beyond to assure their place in the WTC final for next year. On the other hand, India does have a good record at the MCG at present.
Over the decade past, Team India has tasted no losses in the archival Test matches at the stadium. They had a split in 2014, with losses here and wins back in 2018 (by 137 runs) and in 2020 (by 8 wickets) again. Nevertheless, India’s Test history at the MCG is still under Australia’s shadow, with only 4 victories in 14 matches while enduring 8 defeats.
This pitch condition change can be seen as both a strategic measure intended to bring balance to the bat and ball, and it also adds extra pressure to India, which is already under tremendous pressure as they come into the series with high expectations. India’s adaptability to these conditions may be determinant in their run to the WTC finals. With the past victories in the MCG and the strong makeup of a winning team, all the focus will be on how the Indian team deals with the grassy pitch challenge this Christmas.