Extraordinary scenes as Shield clash suspended over MCG pitch safety concerns
Despite hopes the MCG pitch could be improved after a 30-minute run with the roller, Day 1 of the Victoria-Western Australia Sheffield Shield clash has been abandoned.
Play was halted in the 40th over amid concerns the pitch wasn’t safe to play on.
Over the opening hours of the match, batsmen were struck several times by deliveries that reared up off a length.
RSN and Cricket Victoria broadcaster Adam White reported players from both sides expressed concerns with the nature of the pitch.
There was still hesitation from players from both teams that the MCG pitch was still dangerous. The hope is play will resume tomorrow at 10am (30 minutes early) following more work on the pitch today and tomorrow. It will be inspected again in the morning. #SheffieldShield
— Adam White (@White_Adam) December 7, 2019
Just weeks from the Boxing Day Test, CA’s Head of Cricket Operations Peter Roach says the matter is disappointing, yet the marquee match will use a different pitch strip.
“Matt Page and the MCG groundstaff have more than two weeks to ensure the Test surface, which is a different pitch strip to the one being used in this match, is of international standard.
“We will seek to better understand the issues that resulted in variable bounce at the MCG on Saturday. We will also work closely with MCG groundstaff in the lead up to the Test match.”
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