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MCG Pitch: Tough but Not Unplayable, Says Uthappa
2 Jan
Summary
- MCG pitch is challenging and seam-friendly, but not impossible.
- Modern batting's lack of patience makes tough pitches seem extreme.
- Teams must reset expectations; 250 runs can be competitive.
Former India batter Robin Uthappa has offered a critical perspective on the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Test pitch, characterizing it as a difficult surface favoring fast bowlers but ultimately not unplayable. Uthappa's analysis points to a shift in modern cricket, suggesting that the game's current emphasis on rapid scoring has diminished the patience and resilience required to succeed on challenging wickets.
He argues that on such grounds, competitive totals can be achieved with scores around 250, provided batters demonstrate discipline and a willingness to grind. Uthappa cited the exemplary approaches of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane as models for navigating these conditions, emphasizing their ability to leave the ball, trust their defense, and manage pressure.
Uthappa also expressed concern over the declining standards of Test batting, using Joe Root's struggles as an example. He feels that the fast-paced nature of modern Test matches, sometimes concluding in just two days, sacrifices the sport's inherent challenge. If Test cricket continues to prioritize instant aggression over sustained endurance, it risks losing its defining appeal: the ability to adapt and survive under pressure.
