After A Domestic Match Was Abandoned Due To Unsafe Pitch, Steve Smith Expresses Confidence In Melbourne Cricket Ground Curator

Mumbai: After a series win against Pakistan, Australia is set to take on New Zealand. The first match will be played on 12th December in Perth. While 2nd match is to be played in MCG, talking about that match, Australia’s Steve Smith expressed confidence in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) curator Matt Page and his ground staff saying that they will ‘produce something good’ for them.

Recently a Marsh Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia at the same venue was abandoned due to unsafe pitch. The second Test between Australia and New Zealand is scheduled to be played at MCG, starting from December 26.

“I’m sure they’ll produce something good for us on Boxing Day. It’s a really fine line with that wicket. ‘Pagey’ is a very good curator, he’ll be working as hard as he can to try and get a wicket that is suitable for bat and ball,” Cricket.com.au quoted Smith as saying.

To avoid what was happened in the Marsh Sheffield Shield Match, Cricket Australia will also work with the MCG ground staff to ensure the best possible pitch for the match.

Smith also said that the ground staff has a very tough job but is optimistic that they will get them a good wicket.

“These guys have a really tough job. They’ve tried a lot down in Melbourne but not been able to get something that is a bit more bowler-friendly. They’re going to work hard over the next couple of weeks to get us a good wicket for Boxing Day,” Smith said.

All-rounder Michael Neser is back in the Australian squad and we could also see James Pattinson in the playing 11.

The first Test between Australia and New Zealand will begin on December 12 at Optus Stadium.

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