| Photo Credit: APmore-inRival captains Steve Smith and Joe Root were critical of the lifeless Melbourne pitch after the fourth Ashes Test on Saturday, only the second draw in the show-piece Boxing Day Test in 20 years. The flat, unresponsive pitch drew a barrage of criticism, with claims it was not a worthy wicket an occasion as big as a Boxing Day Ashes Test match. Australia skipper Smith, who scored an unbeaten 102 on the final day to play out for the draw, said something had to be done about the state of the MCG pitch. Not suitable for Boxing Day Test, says RootEngland's Root said the pitch wasn't suitable for the Boxing Day Test. Cricket Victoria chief executive Tony Dodemaide said it might be time to dig up the much-maligned MCG wicket and start again.

Source: The Hindu December 30, 2017 09:11 UTC