Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has offered crucial advice for batting on challenging pitches like the one witnessed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the recent Boxing Day Test. He emphasised that the key lies in adopting the approach of stalwarts Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
Uthappa's Blueprint for Tough Wickets
Analysing the difficult batting conditions on his YouTube channel, Uthappa stated that while the MCG track was "very juicy for fast bowlers," it was not an impossible surface. He attributed modern batters' struggles partly to the evolving, aggressive style of Test cricket. "I feel like these pitches are unsporty, but if you've the right technique and the right mindset and the fight in you, you'll be able to figure out a solution," Uthappa explained.
He provided a clear benchmark for success on such a pitch, noting that while a 300-plus total might be unrealistic, a fighting score of 250 was certainly achievable. His central piece of advice was straightforward: "Play like Puji and Ajinkya Rahane. Definitely, you'll score runs." Uthappa highlighted that their method of grit, patience, and technical application is the template for survival and scoring on seamer-friendly wickets.
Contrast with Modern Batting and Pitch Rating
Uthappa contrasted this traditional, fighting method with the current trends, expressing his displeasure at Tests finishing prematurely, like some recent Ashes matches. He pointed to England's Joe Root as an example of a world-class batter looking "too lost" on the Melbourne pitch, unsure whether to attack or defend. "I empathize with them," Uthappa said, acknowledging the batters' dilemma.
His observations came after the match referee, Jeff Crowe, officially rated the MCG pitch as "unsatisfactory" under the ICC guidelines. The venue received one demerit point. Crowe's assessment was based on the pitch being "too much in favour of the bowlers," evidenced by 36 wickets falling within the first two days and no batter managing to reach a half-century.
The Enduring Lesson from Test Specialists
The core of Uthappa's argument champions the values embodied by Pujara and Rahane throughout their careers. In an era favouring rapid run-scoring, their ability to blunt attacks, leave judiciously, and wear down bowlers on difficult tracks presents a timeless lesson. Uthappa's comments, made on December 30, 2025, serve as a reminder that technical resilience and mental fortitude remain indispensable assets in Test cricket, especially on surfaces like the spicy MCG wicket prepared for the Boxing Day Test.
The discussion opens a broader debate on pitch preparation, the balance between bat and ball, and the skills modern Test batters need to cultivate to thrive in all conditions, not just on flat batting paradises.
