Last Updated on 4 months ago by Charbel Coorey
The SCG pitch for the fifth Ashes encounter is firmly in the spotlight after the Boxing Day Test ended in two days. The quick finish was to the frustration of many fans and pundits, with the MCG pitch – and a lot of the batting – coming under scrutiny.
Images emerged of the SCG pitch on New Years’ Day, three days out from the final Test. There was a very healthy covering of grass, sparking speculation that the pitch could play similarly to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy match last year.
That surface proved to be very difficult for batting, although it was rated “satisfactory” by the ICC. Batting first, India fought hard to reach 185 in 72.2 overs on a seaming pitch. Australia responded with 181 in 51 overs, but the big news was Jasprit Bumrah leaving the SCG with back spasms. India then collapsed to 157 in their third innings, before Australia chased 162 four down at a run-a-ball against a Bumrah-less attack.
Scott Boland was near unplayable, winning man of the match for his figures of 4/31 and 6/45.
SCG pitch report for 5th Ashes Test: How much grass will be left on the surface?
Two-day Tests in Perth and Brisbane in this Ashes series has led to approximately $15 million in lost revenue. A flatter SCG pitch would come as no surprise as a result, but that is no guarantee.
The surface is green, but much of the grass is typically mowed as the Test nears. Curator Adam Lewis confirmed there will be about 6mm of grass left on the surface which will help hold the pitch together as hot weather is forecast throughout the match.
“We took our learnings from last year [BGT Test],” Lewis said, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald. “Maybe a bit too much in it on day one. We always get nervous this time of year. This is our grand final. We work months leading into our Test preparation.
“We’re just excited to get there. The only thing we can’t control is the weather. We’re just trying to prepare a pitch that’s a great balance for bat and ball.
“They’re saying [there will be] a bit more sun tomorrow, so that will take the green out of the pitch. We’re really happy with the pitch at the moment.”
Could Australia go in with no spinner?
The SCG, traditionally a spin-friendly venue, has favoured seam a lot more in recent years.
Spinners have struggled in Tests on this ground since 2021. They have taken 33 wickets at an average of 49.18 and strike rate of 92.7. The next-worst average among Australian venues is 38.95 at Perth.
Also, the SCG has been seamer-friendly in the Sheffield Shield. In November, Victoria smashed a star-studded New South Wales team by 300 runs on a surface that became very difficult to bat on by days two and three. Cracks opened up and there was significant uneven bounce on a pitch that didn’t have too much grass.
In December, New South Wales rolled Queensland for 92 and 181. Seamer Charlie Stobo took 5/9 in the first innings to decimate Queensland’s batting lineup.
Offspinner Todd Murphy, who was brought into Australia’s Ashes squad to replace the injured Nathan Lyon, said seam is more of a factor at the SCG in recent years.
“I’ve only seen it [the pitch] from afar, and my eyes aren’t obviously amazing so it’s hard to pick out exactly what it’ll be,” Murphy said on Thursday, as quoted by Fox Sports.
“But I suppose we’re three days out and there’s a bit of grass on it at the moment. I have no idea (what it will be like) as I haven’t looked at it closely yet.
“I don’t think recently that it’s been massive spin out here, but it’s still been a big part. Shield cricket over the last couple of years – which is what I’ve had the main experience in – has evolved a bit to be more seam-friendly as well.”
However, there is every chance Australia select Murphy given there will be less grass and hot conditions throughout the match.
