Mark Waugh on Australia vs England MCG Test. Image Credits: X
The Melbourne Test between England and Australia wrapped up in just two days, but the drama and debate are far from over. The trend of Test matches finishing within just two or three days sparked concerns over the future of the longest format.
At the iconic MCG, fans enjoyed a pure bowlers’ show as the batters from both sides had nightmares on the field. Reflecting on this, former Australian star Mark Waugh called the match ‘very disappointing’.
Mark Waugh speaks out on MCG chaos
As the Ashes returned with yet another thrilling edition, fans hoped high for some nerve-wracking red-ball showdown, but the Australian side grabbed the attention with their one-sided excellence.
Yet, fans were left frustrated as the excitement fizzled early, with four of the five Tests ending before the final day.
The recently concluded MCG Test deepened the frustration, wrapping up in just two days. With growing concerns over Test cricket’s future, the match has become a massive setback for the fans, administrators, and even broadcasters.
Speaking on this on his social media handle, former Australian all-rounder Mark Waugh slammed the match as ‘very disappointing’.
“MCG Test obviously very disappointing for fans, administrators, and broadcasters to last only 2 days. Curator got it wrong with surface heavily weighted in favour of the seam bowlers, but the batting from both teams, particularly Aust in the 2nd dig to only bat 31 overs, was poor,” Waugh said.
Bowlers rule the game, and batters hit the wall
After the first three Test matches of the Ashes ended before stepping into the final day, fans hoped for a better outing at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, but ended up being even more disappointed.
As the bowlers had all the advantages, the batters from both sides had a nightmare on the surface as the bowling brilliance ended the match within just two days.
In the entire Test match, both teams failed to score a 180 run + total as the MCG crowd didn’t get a chance to celebrate a century or even a half-century. Josh Tongue’s five-wicket haul, combined with Australia's Michael Neser and Scott Boland’s first-innings brilliance, set the tone early.
England’s Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse delivered spectacular spells, while Australian bowlers dominated in the final moments. As the fans witnessed bowling brilliance, the batters kept struggling, proving the surface was not an easy ride for them.
