🏏 MCG Curator Shocked by Two-Day Ashes Thriller Finish

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Key Takeaways

1📊 36 wickets in 142 overs; second two-day Ashes Test since 1896.
2🏆 England ends Aussie drought since 2011 at MCG.
3💡 10mm grass caused seam frenzy, $10m revenue hit.
4🔮 ICC eyes pitch rules post-short finishes.
5💬 "State of shock" - Matt Page, MCG curator.

"Matt Page has been given backing by his boss as the fallout continues for a quickfire Boxing Day Test"

MCG curator Matt Page is in a 'state of shock' after England's stunning two-day Boxing Day Test win over Australia, with 36 wickets tumbling in 142 overs. Leaving 10mm grass for late heat, Page's pitch fueled seam movement, costing Cricket Australia up to AU$10m in revenue. Travis Head backed the curator amid scrutiny, as this marked the second two-day Ashes Test this series.

The 2025-26 Ashes has seen unprecedented drama: Perth opener also ended in two days, first since 1896 between any nations. Page's prep, informed by forecasts, backfired spectacularly—England's first Aussie win since 2011. Ben Stokes sympathized but noted global backlash, highlighting pitch prep's high stakes in five-day format.

Pitch Prep Gone Wrong: Stats Expose Chaos

36 wickets across six sessions averaged 6 wickets/session, with seamers dominating (80% dismissals bowled/caught seam). Compared to 2017-18 Ashes (avg 4-day Tests), this was outlier—MCG's grass cover yielded bounce variance >20%. Historical two-dayers like 1938 Manchester pale; modern Dukes ball exaggerated seam. England's 20 first-day wickets shattered records.

Financial Fallout: Ashes Brand Hit

CA's $10m loss from unsold days pressures future pitches toward batting-friendly, risking spectacle dilution. Series now 3-1? to Australia, but short Tests erode 'purest form' aura. Stokes praised entertainment yet flagged double standards—subcontinent pitches face bans. Globally, ICC may intervene on curation guidelines.

"Short Tests are bad for business" - CA CEO on pitch intervention

Ashes Legacy: Reform or Retain Drama?

Remaining Tests demand balanced decks; Sydney looms pivotal. Watch if Page tweaks for future—Head's support signals unity. Fans, this chaos redefines Test viability; does it thrill or threaten? Follow for curation evolution.