Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey

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MCG Pitch Report Boxing Day 2019

The MCG pitch is topic of conversation as much as the players participating. Perhaps even more. From drab surfaces to one that saw a Sheffield Shield game abandoned due to extreme variance in bounce, it is easy to see why the MCG pitch has a lot riding on it.

Also, the Australian summer of cricket needs a good pitch. Australia have smashed all before them so far this season, including New Zealand in the first Test. The second-ranked Black Caps, who often struggle in Australia, will have their credentials well and truly tested as they look to fight back from 1-0 down in their first Boxing Day Test in Australia for 32 years.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• David Warner is reportedly fit for the Test. It is big news, as his home record is outstanding: 41 matches, 4,249 runs, average: 65.37, 17 hundreds. His MCG record: 7 matches, 551 runs, average: 45.92.
• Marnus Labuschagne has been a revelation in 2019: 10 matches, 1,022 runs, average: 68.13. He has hit 185, 162, 143 and 50 in his last four innings.
• Steve Smith has been uncharacteristically quiet this season. New Zealand seemed to find a strategy to him (full, wide bowling or short-pitched at Smith). But, his record at the MCG is remarkable and can be backed to come good: 6 matches, 4 hundreds, 816 runs, average: 136.
• Kane Williamson looked good in Perth for his 34, but New Zealand need him to carry on for a big score.
• Can New Zealand’s openers do what India did at the MCG last year? Tom Blundell will replace Jeet Raval.
• Ross Taylor stood tall for New Zealand in Perth, scoring 80 and 22.
• James Pattinson returns to Test cricket. New Zealand is his favourite team: 3 matches, 20 wickets, average: 17.70.
• Mitchell Starc is arguably in career-best Test bowling form. His record at the MCG (7 wickets at 37.00) isn’t too flash, but he has 23 wickets in the last three Tests.
• Tim Southee and Neil Wagner both took eight wickets in Perth. But, what impact will Trent Boult have?
• Nathan Lyon at MCG: 8 matches, 27 wickets, average: 35.15.

Key to an Australia win

David Warner has been dominant this summer, along with Marnus Labuschagne. Those two in particular have wreaked havoc, and with Joe Burns and Steve Smith with plenty to offer, Australia can look forward to their top four setting a strong platform for the middle-lower order.

Also, even with the brilliant Josh Hazlewood missing with injury, Australia’s attack still looks mighty strong. Mitchell Starc has been a revelation since his change of action, with Pat Cummins constantly asking questions. James Pattinson rounds off the pace attack – a man who averages just 17 against New Zealand with the ball.

Key to a New Zealand win

New Zealand’s batting in Perth was a massive letdown. A team full of capable players, the Black Caps lost regular wickets far too often, rendering them unable to get into the contest after their bowlers put in a magnificent shift in the heat. The likes of Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor have to lead the way.

Also, can the return of Trent Boult give New Zealand a further lift? Tim Southee and Neil Wagner were outstanding in Perth, taking 16 of the 19 Australian wickets to fall, running in ball after ball in the Perth heat. New Zealand’s bowling as a unit is key; building pressure from both ends, and this applies significantly to Mitchell Santner too, who was under-par in Perth.

Possible Playing 11

James Pattinson is ready to go for Australia. So too David Warner. Also, there are whispers that if the pitch looks really flat on match-day, Michael Neser could come in for Travis Head.

Australia: 1. Joe Burns, 2. David Warner, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Matthew Wade, 6. Travis Head, 7. Tim Paine (c & wk), 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. James Pattinson, 11. Nathan Lyon

Jeet Raval has been dropped by New Zealand, with Tom Blundell replacing him. They have a big boost with Trent Boult ready to go. Also, could Todd Astle get the nod over Mitchell Santner?

New Zealand: 1. Tom Latham, 2. Tom Blundell, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Henry Nicholls, 6. BJ Watling (wk), 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Neil Wagner

MCG Pitch Report and Conditions

So much talk about the pitch. There was a slight covering of grass a few days out from the Test, most of which is expected to be removed. Also, with some warm and sunny weather forecast over five days, the pitch is expected to dry out further. A bat-first surface.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

Expect a big performance from New Zealand, but ultimately Australia at home might be too high a mountain to climb.

A draw is possible, but Australia’s bowlers could have enough in them to force victory.

Thanks for reading!