IANS reported on December 27 that former England skipper Michael Vaughan took a swipe at the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s surface after a night of high‑speed wicket‑fall that left the pitch “a joke” in the words he posted on X. The first day saw a staggering 20 wickets tumble, the most in an Australian Test in 74 years. Australia were bowled out for 152 and the hosts collapsed to 110 in reply, giving England a 42‑run lead.
The action didn’t slow on day two: England were all out for 132 in their second innings, setting a target of 175 for the visitors to win their first match of the Ashes series. By tea, England were 77/2 after just 12 overs, with Ben Duckett and Brydon Carse fallen, while Zak Crawley and Jacob Bethell were unbeaten. Behind the wickets, Carse claimed 4 for 34 and Travis Head was the only resistance for Australia with a 46‑run knock.
Vaughan’s criticism hit home for many, especially after the bowler‑heavy spell that saw 26 wickets fall across 98 overs – a record that prompted him to write, “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.”
He was not alone. The former England batter Kevin Pietersen also took to X, saying, “India always gets hammered when wickets fall like crazy on day 1 of a Test and so I hope that Australia gets the same scrutiny! Fair is fair!” He pointed out the double standard that often condemns spin‑friendly pitches while seam‑dominated wickets go unquestioned.
The match has sparked a heated debate about pitch conditions and the integrity of the contest, with critics demanding more scrutiny on the MCG’s playing surface as the Ashes continue.
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