Matthew Fox, curator at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), expressed shock over the recent two-day Ashes Test. This match, unlike the drawn contest in 2017, faced heavy criticism due to unfavorable pitch conditions.
Pitch Conditions and Historical Context
The MCG pitch has previously been scrutinized for its lack of support for bowlers. In the 2017 match, only 24 wickets fell, allowing England’s Alastair Cook to score an unbeaten 244. Following that match, the Melbourne Cricket Club reviewed their pitch management strategies.
This year, pitch curator, Matt Page, chose to maintain a grass height of 10mm. This decision was influenced by forecasts predicting hot weather for the latter stages of the Test, with expected temperatures reaching 32°C on the fourth day.
Attendance and Revenue Impact
Nearly 190,000 fans filled the MCG during the first two days, with day three also selling out. This created potential for breaking the all-time Ashes attendance record. However, Cricket Australia is not insured against financial losses associated with this Test, which poses challenges for future revenue streams despite projected earnings of A$600 million for the financial year.
- Attendance Figures: Approximately 190,000 during the opening two days.
- Projected Revenue: A$600 million for the financial year.
- Temperature on Day 4: Expected to reach 32°C.
Future Plans and Community Engagement
In light of the disappointing outcome, there were discussions about hosting an exhibition match on day three. This idea aimed to engage ticket-holders and broadcasters, but talks did not advance sufficiently to involve the England team. Fox commented, “There were alternatives discussed, but that didn’t get up.”
The MCG has an ongoing agreement with Cricket Australia to host Test matches on Boxing Day until 2031, including another Ashes Test scheduled for 2029. Additionally, a day-night Test between Australia and England will take place in March 2027, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match.
Commitment to Improvement
Fox expressed his confidence in curator Matt Page, stating, “We’re obviously disappointed the Test has finished in two days. We didn’t plan for this and we didn’t want this to happen.” He noted the fine margins within pitch curation and its impact on player performance.
Furthermore, Fox confirmed that food designated for the Boxing Day Test, which would have been perishable, will be donated to a local charity, reflecting the MCG’s commitment to community support.
