A Sheffield Shield match at the MCG was abandoned on Sunday because of a dangerous pitch with several Western Australia batsmen sustaining blows to the body from deliveries that reared up at them.
Melbourne: Australia’s batting mainstay Steve Smith is confident the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand will be played on a safe, quality pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and does not want the venue to lose the marquee fixture over surface concerns.
A Sheffield Shield match at the MCG was abandoned on Sunday because of a dangerous pitch with several Western Australia batsmen sustaining blows to the body from deliveries that reared up at them.
File image of Steve Smith. AP
Cricket Australia said a different pitch had been earmarked for the second Test against New Zealand starting on 26 December but they will still work with MCG curator Matt Page to ensure it was of international standards.
“He’s a good curator and he’ll be doing what he can to get us a good wicket for Boxing Day,” Smith told reporters in Perth on Monday.
“Then I guess they have another year to work on their wickets to give us an even contest for bat and ball, that’s what we want to see.”
A lifeless MCG pitch received a “poor” rating from the governing International Cricket Council in 2017 while last year’s surface against India was rated “average” even though the tourists took 20 wickets to comprehensively win the match.
Irrespective of the negative ratings, Smith would like the marquee match to stay at the hallowed venue.
“I’d love for it to stay, it’s part of the tradition of Australian cricket for a long time,” said the 30-year-old.
“I’ve had some of my great memories of cricket walking out there on Boxing Day, listening to the anthems, you get kind of a shiver down your spine.
“The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne is something I look forward to every year. It’s a great occasion and I would love for Melbourne to keep it.”
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Steven Smith was run out for 6 after a mix-up with Usman Khawaja, who refused to run after calling Smith for a single. Lyon picked up five, whereas Swepson picked three wickets for Australia.
Australia suffered a 3-0 Test whitewash in 2016 when veteran Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath claimed 28 wickets to flatten the opposition batting on viciously turning tracks.
Both squads will aim for bringing out the best of themselves as the series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. While Australia is standing at the top of the tally, Sri Lanka is now placed at the fourth position.