Indian Team Raises Concerns Over Practice Pitch Quality Ahead of Boxing Day Test

The Indian cricket team has voiced dissatisfaction with the practice pitches provided at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ahead of the Boxing Day Test. Training commenced on December 21, with players practising on surfaces that reportedly lacked bounce and carry. These used pitches posed challenges for fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, as deliveries barely rose to waist height.

During Sunday’s session, a throwdown unexpectedly kept low and struck captain Rohit Sharma on the knee, causing concern. Rohit required medical attention and rested with an ice pack before resuming light activity. Fast bowler Akash Deep later assured that the injury was minor. He stated:

I think this wicket was for white ball which is why the ball kept low at times. But these blows are common in training. There are no major concerns because of that.

Meanwhile, the Australian team began training on fresher practice pitches with greater pace and bounce starting Monday, sparking fairness debates. While ground staff claimed it was a rule for all teams to give fresh pitches three days ahead of the match to maintain freshness, MCG curator Matt Page explained the issue, stating:

We got the schedule of the Indian team well ahead. But we usually give match-centric wickets only three days before the match. It’s applicable for all teams.

The build-up to the Boxing Day Test has also been marked by controversies, including criticism of Ravindra Jadeja for not answering media questions in English and Virat Kohli confronting an Australian journalist for invading his family’s privacy.

With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are set to reignite their rivalry in Melbourne, where the pitch and media drama promises an intense showdown.