England’s two‑day win at the MCG sparks debate over pitch quality
Melbourne – After a hard‑fought four‑wicket triumph, England ended a 14‑year drought for Test victories in Australia in the fourth Ashes match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The game finished in just 36 hours, with 36 wickets falling across six sessions on a pitch that still had 10 mm of grass left. England chased a modest target of 175, dismissing the hosts for 132 in their second innings.
The win has ignited a lively discussion about the condition of the pitch. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan posted on his “X” (formerly Twitter) account:
“A win is a win, and England should celebrate, but NO Test cricket fans should be celebrating what we have seen for 2 days .. #Ashes”
Vaughan’s comment underscores his belief that the quality of cricket displayed was not a reason for fanfare.
Stuart Broad also weighed in on the outcome. Speaking on SEN Radio, he said:
“I think it (the reaction) will be slightly mixed. I look over to the English fans now, and they’ll have that emotion of being here and seeing England win away, singing the songs, having a few drinks with their friends. I think it will be positive in Australia and for the English fans who travelled here.”
“(But) I’m sure there would be a sense back home that it’s too little, too late in a way, in the fact that the Ashes have gone in Adelaide last week. And if Australia weren’t 3-nil up, would Pat Cummins have played? Would Australia have played a stronger side?”
“But ultimately, these players will be able to say that they have won a Test match in Australia, and they have had a brutal time of it. It’s such a strange Test series to have two Test matches that go for two days, it’s incredible,” he added.
England’s victory is a welcome relief for the touring side, but it comes at a time when Australia holds a 3‑1 lead in the series. The next match will go to the Sydney Cricket Ground on New Year’s Day, where the series is set to resume with the traditional January 4th Test.
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