MCG Sheffield Shield game abandoned as pitch deemed unplayable

December 8, 2019

The Melbourne Cricket Club has today apologised for the state of the pitch at the MCG, which forced a Sheffield Shield match to be abandoned after attempts to make it playable for day two failed.

Less than three weeks out from the Boxing Day Test between Australia and New Zealand, play was been abandoned yesterday on the first day one of the clash between Victoria and Western Australia because of dangerous pitch conditions.

Match officials called a halt to the match 45 minutes into the second session on day one of the fixture, before later abandoning play for the day.

Despite ground staff working on the pitch, match officials determined this morning that the pitch was still too dangerous.

Too much moisture in the drop-in wicket led to divots, which hardened under the sun, creating uneven bounce and danger for the batsmen.

Curator Matt Page and his ground staff attempted to even out the deck and make it playable after the embarrassing situation unfolded.

MCC Chief Executive Stuart Fox and Cricket Australia Head of Cricket Operations Peter Roach faced the media on Sunday morning following the decision to call off the game.

Defending the approach taken by Page ahead of the match, Fox stated “I think we all know this is not ideal, but our curators and staff have our full support.

"They haven't done this on their own, it's been at the direction of the Melbourne Cricket Club and that has been supported by all of our stakeholders.

"We've all wanted more life in these pitches - we didn't want this much, it is unfortunate and we apologise for that.

"But we're not going to crucify people, it's all about learning.

"We're spending a lot of money to improve our pitches over the long term, and it was never, ever going to be a short-term game."

Cricket Australia said it would work alongside MCG ground staff to make sure "the best possible wicket" was prepared for the Boxing Day Test.

The MCG’s wickets have been criticised as being too docile in recent years and received unfavourable ICC ratings.

Image courtesy of Cricket Victoria.

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14th October 2019 - ICC T20 World Cup 2020 appoints KOJO Sport to enhance fan experience

7th May 2019 - High demand for MCG Boxing Day Test tickets leads to anti scalping action

3rd January 2019 - MCG set for $50 million upgrades in audio-visual and catering

20th November 2018 - Big crowds expected for MCG T20

24th September 2018 - Melbourne Cricket Club to undertake MCG ticketing review

8th June 2018 - Australian scandal leads ICC Cricket Committee to recommend stronger sanctions for ball-tampering

13th April 2018 - Victorian Government backs plans for redevelopment of MCG and Etihad Stadium

3rd January 2018 - ICC classifies MCG pitch as ‘poor’ after drawn Ashes test

27th November 2017 - MCG secures new head curator from the WACA

26th October 2017 - SCG Trust appoints new Curator and Grounds Manager

22nd August 2017 - Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell jnr to retire after Ashes

25th February 2016 - Perth Stadium cricket wicket testing begins

17th September 2013 - Respected former SCG and MCG Curator dies

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