MCG Pitch and Weather Report: The stage is set for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with fans anticipating another high-stakes clash between Australia and India. While soaring temperatures and the pitch conditions are hot topics of discussion, MCG curator Matt Page has shed light on how the surface might play during the match.

MCG Pitch: A Seamers’ Paradise?

Contrary to the spinning tracks often seen in other parts of the world, the MCG has earned a reputation for being seam-friendly. According to Page, the pitch is unlikely to deteriorate to the extent that spinners dominate proceedings.

“We don’t typically see the surface breaking up here,” Page said. “Over the past few years, it’s been more conducive to seam bowling, and that trend will likely continue.”

Since 2010, Nathan Lyon has claimed 45 wickets at the venue, making him the leading wicket-taker. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins and Ravichandran Ashwin have also found success on this ground, with the latter using its extra bounce to good effect, picking up 14 wickets in just three matches.

To maintain a balance between bat and ball, the pitch will feature 6mm of grass, Page revealed. “Our goal is to provide lively pitches that challenge batters early on but become fair for scoring as the game progresses. It’s all about creating exciting cricket.”

While the pitch may not rival the pace and bounce of Perth or the Gabba, it will still offer enough movement with the new ball to keep bowlers interested.

Weather Watch: Rain Could Interfere Early

Melbourne’s unpredictable weather could play a significant role in the Test, especially during the opening days. Here’s the day-by-day forecast:

• Day 1 (Thursday, 26 December):
  • Rain: 50% chance in the evening.
  • Wind: Strong northerly gusts shifting southwesterly by evening.
  • Temperature: 33°C.
• Day 2 (Friday, 27 December):
  • Rain: 50% chance, particularly in the morning.
  • Wind: Moderate southwesterly winds easing later.
  • Temperature: 28°C.
• Day 3 (Saturday, 28 December):
  • Rain: A slight 30% chance of showers.
  • Wind: Gentle southwesterly breezes.
  • Temperature: 27°C.
• Day 4 (Sunday, 29 December):
  • Rain: Minimal at 10%, mostly sunny.
  • Wind: Light southwesterly winds.
  • Temperature: 26°C.
• Day 5 (Monday, 30 December):
  • Rain: Virtually no chance at 5%.
  • Wind: Mild southeasterly winds.
  • Temperature: 25°C.

The early forecasts suggest potential rain delays on Days 1 and 2, but conditions are expected to clear up as the match progresses.

The Evolution of the MCG Pitch

The MCG’s pitches have undergone a dramatic transformation since being criticized for their lack of competitiveness in the 2017 Ashes Test. Matt Page, who brought his expertise from the WACA, introduced innovative techniques to restore balance and inject life into the surface. Today, the MCG offers improved pace, bounce, and carry, creating a fair contest for all players.

India’s Recent Success in Melbourne

India will step onto the MCG with confidence, having secured memorable victories in their last two Tests at the venue during the 2018-19 and 2020-21 series. The team hasn’t lost a Test at this ground since 2012, making it a happy hunting ground for the visitors.

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