Lifeless MCG pitch allows re-energised England to rise from the dead | Adam Collins

Dec 27, 2017

The absence of Mitchell Starc and illness of Pat Cummins were mitigating factors but after a damning day for Australia at least some fingers should be pointing at 22 yards of Melbourne blandness

If, as the Libertines sang, there is no more distressing sight than an Englishman in a baseball cap then surely there is no sadder image than an Australian seamer operating with the wicketkeeper up to the stumps on the second day of a home Test.

But don’t blame Mitchell Marsh. Sure, he’s far from hitting the speed gun’s high notes since his return from shoulder surgery – but this is the story of the placid Melbourne pitch. In all the enthusiasm about the best-attended and most anticipated fixture on the calendar, the 22 yards that matter most don’t get anywhere near the scrutiny of other venues around the country.

Tags: Ashes 2017-18 Australia cricket team Australia sport Cricket England cricket team Sport The Ashes