Chaos Unfolds in Two-Day Fourth Ashes Test Due to Pitch Conditions

The fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne ended after two days. In the course of that short span, a remarkable 36 wickets tumbled. The swift pace of play has sparked interesting conversations around turf quality. Groundsman Matt Page’s decision to keep more grass on the surface is the crux of this argument. Consider his controversial decision to maintain the grass at 10mm. That decision only contributed to the surreal, frenzied energy of the moment.

Page also made a conscious decision to cut more grass than normal this summer after the extreme heat. Long-range forecasts were calling for a spell of above normal high temps. Melbourne’s forecast indicated that temperatures would soar to 33 degrees Celsius on Monday, prompting concerns about how the pitch might behave under such conditions. Traditionally, the grounds team opts for a small amount of grass on the pitch to aid seam bowlers in the initial stages of play, allowing for a fair contest before batters settle in.

Ahead of last year’s Test against India, Page cut down to just 7mm of grass on the pitch. That affair pushed all the way to five days, ending with an India win just after tea on the last day. This uniformity notwithstanding, the stark difference in outcomes underscores the point that different pitch conditions can radically affect match length and competitiveness, especially when rain interrupts play as well.

Teams that bat first have a huge advantage in the first hour of play. That dense turf created a tough playing environment for batters, leading to an astronomical 50% dismissal figure. Players and commentators alike were singing the same song about whether it was fit for a five-day Test match.

These quotes from skeptics on both sides highlight the disappointment felt by everyone directly engaged in the game. Page knew he’d have to produce a course that truly tested returning bowlers. In pursuit of this rhyme, unintended consequences served to worsen the actual quality of play.

“not the best thing for games that should be played over five days.”

Steve Smith also weighed in, noting that the pitch

“did more than we thought it was going to.”

These comments from players underscore the frustration experienced by those involved in the match. While Page’s intention may have been to create a challenging environment for bowlers, the consequences were arguably detrimental to the quality of play.