Former England captain Michael Vaughan has launched a scathing attack on the pitch prepared for the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), labelling it "unfair" for the batters. His criticism comes after a remarkable and chaotic opening day where a staggering 20 wickets tumbled, leaving the match precariously balanced.
A Historic Collapse of Wickets
The fourth Test of the 2025 Ashes series witnessed an extraordinary event on December 26. For the first time in 75 years in an Ashes contest, 20 wickets fell in a single day's play. The last such instance was recorded at the Gabba in 1950. By stumps, Australia, having bowled England out for 110, reached 4/0 in their second innings, securing a lead of 46 runs.
Australia's first innings folded for 152, with England's Josh Tongue starring with a five-wicket haul (5/45). England's reply was even more brief, dismissed for 110, thanks to Australian bowlers Michael Neser (4/45) and Scott Boland (3/30). This gave Australia a first-innings lead of 42 runs before they extended it slightly by the close of play.
Experts Unite in Criticism
Analysing the dramatic events, Michael Vaughan did not mince his words. Speaking to the BBC, the 2005 Ashes-winning captain stated that the pitch had destroyed the essential balance between bat and ball. "We're always looking for a fair balance between bat and ball. I thought that was unfair for the batters," Vaughan said. "The pitch has done plenty. There's been plenty of movement out there. It's not been easy for both sides, but I don't like seeing a pitch do so much."
His views found strong support from Australian fast-bowling legend Glenn McGrath. McGrath pointed out that the excessive grass left on the wicket—reportedly 10mm instead of an ideal 7mm—made it overly favourable for the bowlers. "That pitch has too much life in it for Test cricket," McGrath remarked. He suggested the groundsman might have been preoccupied with the wicket's behaviour later in the match, with warmer weather forecast for days three, four, and five.
England's Fighting Chance Despite Pitch Drama
Despite the pitch favouring bowlers overwhelmingly and labelling Australia as favourites, Vaughan warned against writing England off. He highlighted England's reputation as a competent chasing team, especially in the fourth innings. "They are a good chasing side. We have had three heavy rollers already, and there will be another one tomorrow morning. This England team can chase. Australia are favourites, but don't rule England out," Vaughan asserted.
Glenn McGrath echoed this sentiment, suggesting a twist in the tale. He theorised that the conditions might actually improve for batting as the match progresses, potentially benefiting England when they bat last. "The weather is getting warmer, which will have an impact on the top of the rollers. So, it could get to the stage where England are batting in the fourth innings in the best batting conditions of the match," McGrath explained.
The unprecedented fall of wickets on the first day has set up a potentially volatile and short Test match, with the quality of the pitch taking centre stage in the post-day discussions. All eyes will now be on whether the surface settles down or continues to assist bowlers, deciding the fate of the crucial Boxing Day Test.
