Demons of BGT to make Perth return in Ashes opener as green monster to test technique, temper

Ashes to have a spicy opening at Perth [Source: @CricketAus/X.com]

The ghosts of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy might just come alive again in Perth. Optus Stadium’s head curator, Isaac McDonald, has hinted that the pitch for the first Ashes Test could play strikingly similar to the one used during last year’s Australia-India clash.

That surface saw 17 wickets tumble on the opening day before easing out later. 

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BGT like atmosphere to prevail in Ashes

(Most wickets at Optus Stadium - Perth)

That match had everything, pace, bounce, chaos, and drama. Australia thought they were in control after dismissing India for 150, only for Jasprit Bumrah and company to turn the tables by skittling the hosts for 67/7 by stumps. 

It was one of those wild Perth days when even watching felt exhausting — and Isaac McDonald seems keen to recreate that theatre again, this time for England’s visit.

Speaking to CODE Sports, McDonald made it clear that his goal isn’t to make a five-day Test pitch. It’s to make a “cracker” surface where both bat and ball have their moments. 

For purists, that’s both exciting and alarming. Perth, after all, is supposed to be the land of bounce and fire, not patience and flat tracks. 

And if McDonald delivers what he promises, fast bowlers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood could be licking their lips at the thought of those first few hours under the Perth sun. 

Is the green surface really the right way forward?

(Perth - Optus Stadium Test format stats)

But there’s a flip side too, as Jasprit Bumrah showed last year, such pitches can backfire just as easily if the visiting attack adapts quickly.

Not everyone is happy with McDonald’s bold stance. Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has openly questioned the curator’s approach, suggesting his job could be on the line if the pitch misfires. 

Healy’s criticism echoes a broader sentiment that while fans love fast-paced, bowler-friendly contests, no one wants a two-day Test. The fine line between “sporting” and “unfair” is thinner than ever. 

England may counter-attack with a pace-heavy lineup

For England, who arrive with confidence after a successful home summer, this Perth pitch could be both a nightmare and an opportunity. Their “Bazball” approach, aggressive, fearless, and attacking, will be tested on a deck that punishes rash strokeplay. 

Yet, it’s also their best weapon. The visitors know survival alone won’t work on a lively Optus surface, they’ll need to strike back early and hard. 

England’s pace battery, spearheaded by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, will relish the extra carry. 

Their biggest challenge will be adapting to lengths quickly. Bowl too short, and runs will flow, but get it right, and they’ll have Australia hopping early.

Final thought

One thing’s certain that if McDonald delivers the “cracking” pitch he promises, Perth won’t be a slow start to the Ashes, it’ll be a storm. 

The demons of the BGT are back, and both sides know that surviving day one could be the difference between glory and heartbreak. 

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