Overview:
While the MCG surface came under criticism, the SCG wicket has attracted attention due to its visible grass cover ahead of the fifth Ashes Test starting January 4.
Former India batter Robin Uthappa urged Australia’s batting group to take time and show the Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane kind of discipline after their batting was put under pressure from England bowlers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On a lively green seamer in the fourth Ashes Test, Australia were shot out for 152 and 132, as the batter failed to get going.
Australia’s repeated batting failures proved costly, resulting in a rare home Test defeat to England after more than 15 years. The continued lack of runs has already triggered criticism from Matthew Hayden, who has urged a rethink of the national team’s coaching framework.
As questions grow around Australia’s batting approach, Robin Uthappa has stressed the need for discipline and restraint, citing how Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane negotiate testing conditions by batting deep.
“Look, it’s a tricky situation but not an unplayable surface. Melbourne often offers pitches that really assist fast bowlers. The challenge, I feel, comes from how the modern game is approached. While these wickets can seem unfair, a batter with solid technique, strong temperament and the willingness to dig in can still find a way through. This isn’t a surface where you’ll see massive totals, but even something around 250 is achievable. You need to show patience and resilience bat the way Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane do, and the runs will come,” Uthappa Said.
Uthappa observed that players of Root’s calibre were rendered ineffective on those pitches, voicing concern over five‑day cricket losing its traditional grind.
“I say this with caution because Test cricket isn’t played the same way anymore. Watching iconic series like the Ashes finish in two days doesn’t sit right with me. In trying to entertain, we risk losing balance. Even Joe Root looked unsure of his approach in the second innings whether to go hard or trust his own style. It was unfortunate, and I truly sympathise,” he added.
While the MCG surface came under criticism, the SCG wicket has attracted attention due to its visible grass cover ahead of the fifth Ashes Test starting January 4. The ground last hosted a Test during the 2024–25 Border‑Gavaskar Trophy, a match that wrapped up inside three days with neither side managing 185 in any innings. The final look of the pitch will depend on how much grass is shaved off, as curator Adam Lewis faces significant pressure to prepare a fair pitch.