The MCG pitch five days before the match.Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui/ The Age
Eager to continue the revival of what had been one of the most maligned and benign patches of turf in world cricket,Page is aiming to prepare a seam-friendly strip that will be in contrast to the lifeless featherbeds that are the norm in Pakistan.
In another blow to hopes for a competitive game,Pakistan’s already weakened pace attack will be without one of their shining lights from Perth after Khurram Shahzad was ruled out of the series with a rib stress fracture and an abdominal muscle tear.
MCG head curator Matt Page on the prized turf.Credit:The Age
So worried are the Pakistanis that they are underdone they have hastily arranged a two-day practice game at Junction Oval behind closed doors with no media access against a makeshift Victoria XI,featuring Test aspirant Marcus Harris and young batting star Will Pucovski,to adjust to local conditions.
Any match involving a touring team should theoretically be a precious opportunity to showcase the sport,but Cricket Australia said “the match is closed to the public due to the late request for the fixture which provided logistical challenges in allowing patrons and media to attend”.
But there will be no hiding on Boxing Day for Pakistan,who have lost their last 15 Tests on these shores,when a crowd of 70,000 fans is expected through the gates.
The green top which greeted Pakistan on Wednesday will likely be of a different hue by next week but if the pitches rolled out for the Shield this season are any indication then Shan Masood’s men,dismissed for 89 in the final innings at Optus Stadium,face another stern examination with the bat from Australia’s vaunted attack.