The pitch curator was also surprised when the Melbourne Test ended in two days, said – I was shocked to see what happened

MCG Pitch Controversy: After the end of the fourth Test (Boxing Day Test) match of the Ashes series in just two days, questions are being raised about the pitch, where the fast bowlers looked completely dominant. Meanwhile, Melbourne Cricket Ground curator Matt Page has reacted in this matter. Page says that he was completely surprised by the fall of 20 wickets on the first day of the Boxing Day Test.

Read :- Ashes Test: England created history by winning the Boxing Day Test, won the Test in Australia after 14 years

In fact, the pitch prepared by Page for the Boxing Day Test against India last year, with about 10mm of grass left on the surface instead of 7mm, came under scrutiny after the match as 36 wickets fell in just 142 overs. In this match, England defeated Australia by 4 wickets. This was their first Test win in Australia since 2011.

The completion of the Melbourne Test in just two days resulted in huge financial losses for the organisers, especially as all the tickets for the third day were sold out and the day was now lost. Both captains also criticized the pitch as giving too much support to the seam bowlers.

Amidst all the criticism regarding the pitch, curator Page said, “I was shocked to see what happened on the first day, 20 wickets fell in one day. I have never been involved in a Test match like this before and hopefully I will never be involved in a Test match like this in the future.”

Clarifying, the curator said that he was disappointed by the early end of the match, but insisted that his aim was to create a balance between bat and ball. He said, “Every year is different and the margins are very small, but you always have in the mind that you should give a good match. Our aim is to give exciting Test cricket, with a balance between bat and ball and the matches last for four or five days.”

However, Page took responsibility for the outcome and said that lessons would be learned from the experience. “We had a Test match that was very exciting, but it didn’t last long and we take responsibility for that. We’ll learn from it, we’ll get better, and we’ll make sure we get it right next year,” he said.

Page also said that removing too much grass could make the pitch flat and lifeless, as was seen during the 2017 Ashes, when Alastair Cook scored an unbeaten double century in a dull drawn match. The ICC match referee has not yet given his verdict on the pitch, so Paige is now waiting anxiously.