Published By: Sanchari Das

Boxing Day Test: Will the Seam-Friendly MCG Pitch Shape the Series Decider?

As India aims to extend its winning streak in Melbourne, the lively MCG pitch and Australia’s pace attack add to the Boxing Day Test drama

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is gearing up to host the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the series tied at 1-1. Three days before the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test, the pitch revealed a tinge of green. This has turned attention toward how the wicket could influence the match dynamics, particularly after three fast-paced pitches earlier in the series.

India’s success at the MCG

India heads into this Test with momentum, winning their last two Boxing Day matches at the MCG during the 2018-19 and 2020-21 tours. India has not lost a Test at this iconic venue since 2012. In their 2020 victory, they fielded two spinners, while in 2018, Ravindra Jadeja was the sole spinner, supported by part-time off-spin from Hanuma Vihari. This time, the absence of R Ashwin, who retired after the third Test, leaves Washington Sundar as a potential replacement. Spinners’ impact, however, might be minimal, given the surface characteristics.

Seamers set to dominate

MCG curator Matt Page highlighted that the pitch would likely favour seam bowlers over spinners. The 6mm grass covering ensures lively conditions for fast bowlers with the new ball. Page explained that the pitch won’t significantly deteriorate throughout the match. Instead, it is expected to offer sideways movement early, while batting may become easier as the new ball softens. He noted, “Spinners? Oh, it doesn’t break up and spin here.”

Unique pitch characteristics

The MCG has unique traits, unlike the Gabba’s pace and bounce or Perth’s crack-prone surfaces. Page clarified, “We don’t have the extreme pace of Perth or Brisbane. For us, it’s about getting as much pace and bounce as possible while maintaining balance.” The wicket is designed to create exciting contests by supporting bowlers early on and providing opportunities for batters as the game progresses. This ensures an engaging battle between bat and ball.

Sheffield Shield insights

The recent Sheffield Shield match at the MCG saw Queensland win a low-scoring thriller against Victoria. No team surpassed 250 runs, and Victoria fell short of their 273-run target by 24 runs. While this raised concerns about overly bowler-friendly conditions, Page assured that the Boxing Day pitch will not mirror Shield standards. “The preparation is similar, but we tend to pull back slightly because the quality of players goes up,” he said. The pitch is expected to offer some seam movement throughout the game, especially with the new ball.

From ‘poor’ to perfectly balanced

The MCG’s surfaces have come a long way since being labelled “poor” by the ICC during the 2017 Ashes. That lifeless pitch, criticised for producing a dull, high-scoring draw, prompted a major overhaul. Curator Matt Page, who joined from the WACA in 2016, played a key role in transforming the wicket. Drawing on his experience with Perth’s lively pitches, Page introduced innovative techniques to restore pace, bounce, and carry. The result is a wicket that now offers balance and competitiveness.

Strategic decisions await

Both teams face critical decisions when playing XI. India might reconsider deploying two spinners, a tactic previously used at the MCG. With seam-friendly conditions favouring fast bowlers, India may focus on strengthening their pace attack. On the other hand, Australia, with Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon among the top MCG wicket-takers, will exploit the conditions to gain an upper hand in this crucial Test.

The Boxing Day Test promises a captivating contest. With conditions at the MCG set to challenge batters early and reward bowlers, the stage is perfectly set for a decisive clash in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.