Melbourne Ashes Test Sparks Pitch Controversy and Historic Win
TL;DR
The first day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne was chaotic with 20 wickets falling, largely due to the Melbourne groundsman's decision to leave 10mm of grass on the pitch, which many experts and former players criticized for favoring bowlers and making batting difficult, sparking controversy over pitch preparation and its impact on the game.
- Why did leaving 10mm of grass on the pitch cause Ashes chaos in Melbourne? - The Athletic The New York Times
- England hold nerve to break Ashes drought in Australia with Boxing Day Test victory The Guardian
- 'MCG pitch would get hell if produced elsewhere' BBC
- 'Short Tests are bad for business' - CA CEO hints at intervening on pitches ESPNcricinfo
- England survive Melbourne mayhem to claim drought-breaking win Reuters
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