SYDNEY: Sydney Cricket Ground Chief Superintendent Adam Lewis has allayed concerns over the ground’s unusually green surface and expressed confidence that the pitch will provide a balanced match and last for the duration of the upcoming Test.
With cricket administrators still unsettled after last week’s two-day Test in Melbourne, the green covering of the SCG wicket released on Thursday drew attention.
However, Lewis insisted that the grass visible on day one would be largely irrelevant, stressing that major changes have been made to ensure the surface performs as intended.
The SCG, traditionally one of the toughest grounds for bowlers between 2014 and 2023, produced a result in two-and-a-half days last summer – a situation Lewis said ground staff were keen to avoid repeating.
As part of their preparation, the curators have reduced the length of the grass to 6mm from the 7mm used last year, while also thinning out its density.
Lewis explained that these changes were designed to flatten the wicket, control excessive seam movement early on and allow the pitch to rotate as the game progressed.
“You should see three days of green,” Lewis said. “If you don’t see any grass outside for three days, that (is a concern) … I’m very comfortable with where we’re sitting.
“We had a bit of sun this morning. They say a bit more tomorrow. That will take the green off the pitch. We’re very happy with the pitches at the moment. We’re good.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg backed Lewis’ assessment, saying he believed the SCG Test would last the distance despite scrutiny surrounding pitch preparation.
“I’ve gotten more phone calls and conversations about wickets and millimeters of grass than I thought possible,” Greenberg said. “But I am confident and optimistic that we will have a long and productive Test match here.”
Lewis’ comments are likely to be welcomed by Australia’s selectors, who are expected to play a spin after the tournament.
That prospect has left off-spinner Todd Murphy firmly in contention for his first home Test after being dropped in favor of four fast bowlers in Melbourne.
Australia’s coaching staff spent a lot of time inspecting the surface on Friday morning, while Murphy bowled long spells during practice and wicketkeeper Alex Carey kept him at long runs.