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Michael Vaughan calls MCG pitch 'a joke' despite England's historic win in 2-day Ashes Test

Sakshi Sharma

Michael Vaughan on MCG pitch (Source:@Independent,x,com and AFP)Michael Vaughan on MCG pitch (Source:@Independent,x,com and AFP)

England finally ended their 15-year wait for a Test victory in Australia after Ben Stokes’ side defeated the hosts by four wickets in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday. 

The win came in dramatic fashion, but the focus remains on the pitch, which has drawn heavy criticism for producing another two-day finish in the series. 

This is the second time this Ashes series has seen a Test conclude before the third day, after the opening match was wrapped up in a similarly short fashion.

Historic win for England after 15 years in Australia

Taking about the match, England won the toss and elected to bowl. The hosts were bowled out for just 152 in their first innings. Pacer Josh Tongue took five wickets and made a significant contribution with the ball. 

England, in reply, could only manage 110, as Australia’s bowlers, Michael Neser, Scott Boland, and Mitchell Starc, kept the Three Lions under control.

However, England’s bowlers made a stunning comeback in Australia’s second innings, bowling the hosts out for a mere 132. The final chase of 175 runs for victory proved tricky, with England losing six wickets along the way. 

Key contributions came from the opening pair of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who scored crucial 30s, and Jacob Bethell, who top-scored with a quick 40. Despite Australia’s relentless bowling attack, England held their nerve and crossed the line to secure a historic win.

MCG pitch faces heavy criticism from Michael Vaughan

While England fans celebrated the result, the pitch at the MCG came under fire. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was particularly outspoken, taking to social media after day 2 to call the pitch a ‘joke.’ 

Vaughan wrote:

"This pitch is a joke .. This is selling the game short .. The players / Broadcasters and more importantly the fans .. 26 wickets in 98 overs !!!!! #Ashes .."

Vaughan’s criticism focused on the extreme seam-friendly nature of the MCG track, which made batting extremely difficult. On the opening day alone, 20 wickets fell, with both teams being bundled out. Even on Day 2, wickets continued to tumble, with six falling in the first session.

He argued that such a pitch reduces the contest between bat and ball and turns the game into a fast-bowling shootout.

He was not alone in his criticism. Former Indian star Dinesh Karthik also expressed frustration on social media, noting:

"MCG have produced an ordinary pitch here. Can’t believe 2 out of 4 Ashes Tests could end in 2 days. For all the hype, four Ashes Tests have happened in just 13 days."

Former England legend Kevin Pietersen had earlier highlighted the double standards in pitch preparation, questioning why fast-bowling-friendly tracks are rarely criticised while turning tracks that favour spinners often spark debate.

Fast-bowling battle overshadows batting

With only one Ashes Test remaining in the series, questions about the fairness and balance of pitch preparation are likely to continue. England’s win at the MCG will be remembered for both its historic significance and the storm of debate it has sparked.