MCG pitch curators under immense pressure after Brisbane pitch rated as 'below average' by ICC

Australia and South Africa will be renewing their rivalry in the second Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday, December 26. However, ahead of the eagerly-awaited Boxing Day Test match, the MCG pitch curators are under immense pressure to live up to the expectations after the previous game at The Gabba ended inside two days.

The series opener saw a total domination by the bowlers where wickets fell like ninepins at regular intervals that resulted in an early finish to the five-day game. Reportedly, the early finish has also affected the broadcasters as they lost out on advertising revenue.

Meanwhile, the Cricket Australia (CA) operations chief Peter Roach has said while addressing the media that he expects the pitch curators in Melbourne to find the right balance between the bat and ball.

“We expect our curators, again, to find that balance between bat and ball given the unique characteristics of the venue they are at,” he said as quoted by Sportstar.

Brisbane Test only lasted for 866 balls

Even though the curators of Brisbane had prepared a perfect green top wicket to make it a competitive Test match, not only did their move backfire completely, but it also earned them a demerit point from the governing body of world cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The ICC gave a 'below-average' rating to the Gabba wicket for its bizarre playing nature which ended the contest without much entertainment and enthusiasm for the spectators as the match only lasted for 866 balls.

The Gabba Test match saw underwhelming batting performances from both sides as the fast bowlers of both participating teams made the most of the surface. It was the Proteas batters who failed to apply themselves on this track registering scores of 152 and 99 in two innings.

The hosts needed only 34 runs to win, but even there, they were given a run for their money as the Proteas bowlers accounted for their famed top-order. Nonetheless, Marnus Labuschagne showed great resistance as the Aussies won by six wickets to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.