![MCG curator speaks up after pitch backlash [Source: @bbctms, @ICC/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1766903683597_MCG_Ashes_Boxing_Day_Test.jpg?type=hq)
MCG curator speaks up after pitch backlash [Source: @bbctms, @ICC/X.com]
The Melbourne Cricket Ground has triggered a major Ashes controversy after the Boxing Day Test raced towards a dramatic two-day finish. Amid backlash, MCG pitch curator Matt Page openly admitted he was shocked by how the game panned out.
The fourth Ashes 2025 Test held at MCG saw 20 wickets fall on Day 1 itself. By the end of day two, 36 wickets had tumbled in just 142 overs, turning one of cricket’s biggest spectacles into a blink-and-you-miss-it contest.
MCG curator faces music after Boxing Day debacle
Naturally, the pitch provided for the game received backlash for giving an unfair advantage to the bowlers. Both skippers, Steve Smith and Ben Stokes, openly criticised the surface, saying the 10 mm grass was a bit too much.
Amid this, the MCG pitch curator, Matt Page, broke his silence and admitted he was in a state of shock after watching 20 wickets fall on the opening day itself.
"I was in a state of shock after the first day, to see everything that happened, 20 wickets in a day. I've never been involved in a Test match like it, and hopefully never involved in a Test match like it again. Every year is different and the margins are very small, but in the back of your mind, you're always trying to provide that contest," Page told reporters.
Melbourne curator explains 10mm grass decision
Page explained that the surface was prepared with 10 mm of grass, a decision inspired by forecasts of extreme heat later in the match.
Instead of flattening out, the pitch offered relentless seam movement from the first ball, leaving batters scrambling for survival.
"We're about trying to provide captivating Test cricket, that balance between bat and ball going four or five days. We've produced a Test that's been captivating, but it hasn't gone long enough and we'll take ownership of that. We'll learn from it, we'll grow, and we'll make sure that we'll get it right next year," he added.
England capitalised ruthlessly to seal their first Test win in Australia since 2011, but the victory came wrapped in debate.
The fallout has been significant. Cricket Australia is expected to lose up to AU$10 million after refunding more than 90,000 tickets for days three and four.
It is also reported that the Melbourne Cricket Club might be punished by the ICC, as behind-the-scenes scrutiny is expected to heat up.
Travis Head supports Matt Page against adversity
Meanwhile, Australia batter Travis Head, who top-scored in the second innings with 46, came out strongly in support of Matt Page. He described the job of a curator as “bloody tough” and pointed out how fine the margins are in pitch preparation.
"I feel for him [Page]. It's bloody tough. You leave 1-2mm on with high-quality bowling and you find yourself short, and you take 2-3mm off with high-quality batting and you leave yourself the other way," Head said while speaking to media.
England captain Ben Stokes, however, was blunt, suggesting that such a pitch elsewhere in the world would cause hell.
Steven Smith also questioned whether the grass covering was excessive, hinting that a slightly trimmed surface might have produced a better balance.
.jpg?type=mq "Gambhir gets BCCI's backing")
