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36 Wickets in 142 Overs: Matt Page Takes Responsibility for MCG Pitch
MCG pitch curator Matt Page shocked: MCG pitch curator Matt Page is deeply shocked by the Boxing Day Test ending in just two days. He said he was surprised by the way the Test ended and takes responsibility for the outcome.
The Boxing Day Test of the Ashes series has created a huge buzz on social media. Cricket legends have criticized the pitch and have targeted the curator. On the other hand, a statement has come from Melbourne Cricket Ground curator, Matt Page. According to him, he was taken aback by the finish of the Boxing Day Test. It might be noted that the fourth Ashes Test of 2025-26 was over within two days, even though 20 wickets fell on the first day itself on a seam-friendly wicket.
Matt Page said, "I've been in shock since the first day. How could 20 wickets fall in one day? I've never been involved in a Test match like this before, and I hope not to be involved in one in the future." Page had left approximately 10 mm of grass on the pitch. After the match, the MCG pitch came under scrutiny, as 36 wickets fell in just 142 overs.
England secured their first Test win in Australia since 2011 on the second day, resulting in significant financial losses for the organizers. The match ended in a draw, even though tickets for the third day had sold out. Both captains also criticized the pitch, which was offering too much assistance to seam bowlers.
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The curator said he was disappointed with the early end of the match, but stressed that his goal was to balance the batting and ball. He said that every year is different and the margins are very small, but the goal is always to put on a good fight. We aim to deliver exciting Test cricket, with a balance between bat and ball that lasts four or five days.
Page took responsibility for the result and said that lessons will be learned from this experience. He said, "We produced a Test that was exciting, but it didn't last long, and we take responsibility for that. We will learn from this, we will improve, and we will ensure we correct it next year."
Page also pointed out the specific challenges of this venue. He said that removing too much grass can lead to a flat and lifeless surface, as happened during the 2017 Ashes, where Alastair Cook scored an unbeaten double century in a dull draw. He said that if we don't get seam movement at the MCG, we end up with a very dull, lifeless, and flat surface, which is not good for the players and spectators. It remains to be seen what decision the ICC match referee makes regarding the pitch.
