Page explained his decision was based on weather conditions, and knowledge that MCG pitches typically don’t deteriorate a lot over the course of a match. The 2017 Boxing Day Ashes Test ended in a deathly dull draw and prompted the MCC to replace its drop-in pitches and the base they sit in. Australia coach Andrew McDonald inspects the MCG pitch on Christmas Eve. Credit: Getty Images“So the longer the grass, the more chance as [the ball] pitches, something will interact with the seam, and it will be more likely to deviate. “The thickness of the grass, the ball was sitting in the grass, if that makes sense to you.

Source: Stuff December 28, 2025 21:31 UTC