Cricket experts are criticising the green-topped MCG pitch after 20 wickets fell on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test.
The Australians were bowled out for 152 before the tea break as the English bowlers exploited a surface that allowed considerable sideways movement off the seam.
The English were then rolled for 110 in a game that is now already into its third innings and in serious doubt of making it into a third day. Australia will start day two at 0-4 in its second dig – night watchman Scott Boland on four, and Travis Head yet to face a ball.
The most wickets ever in a day at the ’G was the 25 that fell on January 1, 1902. On that day, Victor Trumper opened the batting and was out second ball of the day as Australia were routed for 112. England, in turn, managed just 62, and Australia were 5-48 at stumps.
“There will be a discussion at the end of the day’s play about the pitch and there will be articles written about the pitch whether it’s a good pitch, whether it’s a bad pitch,” cricket commentator Mark Howard said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage.
Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee said the pitch had too much in it for the bowlers.
“Well, I use the word sporty, and I’ve often said, ‘look it’s a batsmen’s game, we’re here to see batsman score runs’, but I think it’s a bit too sporty in my opinion,” Lee said.
“I think there’s a little bit too much in it.”
