Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has offered a pointed critique of the pitch used for the recent Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Test, labeling it as a challenging, seam-friendly surface but firmly rejecting notions that it was unplayable. In a detailed analysis on his YouTube channel, Uthappa suggested that modern batting's impatience is a bigger problem than the pitch itself.
The Core Argument: A Need for Batting Mindset Reset
Uthappa's central thesis revolves around a necessary shift in expectations. He contends that on such demanding wickets, a total of around 250 runs can be genuinely competitive. The key, according to him, lies in batters embracing the grind, exhibiting supreme discipline, and resisting the modern urge to force the pace of the game.
"It's a dichotomous situation. It's not an impossible wicket," Uthappa explained. "There are such wickets in Melbourne which are very juicy for fast bowlers... I think it's because of the way cricket is played today. I feel like these pitches are unsporty, but if you have the right technique and the right mindset and the fight in you, you'll be able to figure out a solution."
He emphasized that success does not require a "fair" or perfectly balanced pitch. A solid defence and a clear, patient mindset allow batters to retain control, weather tough bowling spells, and incrementally build a score.
Pujara and Rahane as the Blueprint for Survival
To illustrate his point, Uthappa pointed to the techniques of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane as ideal reference points for batting on such surfaces. He highlighted their core strengths: the ability to leave the ball judiciously, trust their time at the crease, and treat periods of pressure as temporary challenges rather than decisive moments.
"You gotta fight it out. Play it like Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. Definitely, you'll score runs," Uthappa asserted. This endorsement underscores his belief that traditional Test match virtues of endurance and adaptation are still the most reliable tools on difficult tracks.
A Broader Caution for Test Cricket's Future
Uthappa also expressed concern over the current direction of Test batting, using Joe Root's struggles during the second Test in Brisbane as a case study. He described the England batter's dismissal as unfortunate and symptomatic of a larger confusion in the longer format.
"I am saying this with a grain of salt because the way we're playing Test cricket has now changed," Uthappa said. "I don't enjoy it a lot, like Ashes Test matches that finished in two days. What are we doing to the sport for entertainment? Joe Root too lost in that Test match. He didn't know how to play, play attacking cricket, or play his own way in the second innings. It was quite unfortunate."
His comments serve as a wider warning. If Test batting becomes solely driven by instant, aggressive intent, then difficult pitches will not only produce lower scores but also create deeper uncertainty among batters. The ultimate risk, as per Uthappa, is that batters may stop believing there is a method to survive, thereby eroding Test cricket's defining quality: the ability to endure and adapt under sustained pressure.
