Delhi: The Boxing Day Test of the Ashes series 2025-26 played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has sparked a new debate regarding the pitch. After the fall of 20 wickets on the very first day of the fourth Test between England and Australia, veteran cricketers strongly criticized the MCG pitch.

Dominance of bowlers on the first day itself

After winning the toss on the bowling friendly pitch of Melbourne, England captain Ben Stokes decided to bowl first. His decision proved correct and the Australian team was reduced to just 152 runs in the first innings. For Australia, Michael Neser scored the highest score of 35 runs, while for England, Josh Tongue bowled brilliantly and took five wickets.

In response, the England team was also seen struggling with the nature of the pitch and was all out for 110 runs on the very first day. Harry Brook scored the highest 41 runs for England. Whereas, Michael Neser took four wickets for Australia. Questions started being raised on the pitch due to the fall of a total of 20 wickets on the first day.

Kevin Pietersen gave the example of India

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen expressed his displeasure about the pitch on social media platform X. He wrote that when more wickets fall on the first day in India, it is heavily criticized. In such a situation, he hopes that Australia’s pitch will also be examined in the same way. Peterson clearly said that what is right should be done

The situation did not change even on the second day

On the second day, Australia’s second innings also could not last long and the team was all out for 132 runs. Travis Head scored the highest score of 46 runs, while Brayden Carse took four wickets for England. Australia gave England a target of 175 runs.

England achieved the target easily

England achieved the target of 175 runs with four wickets remaining. Jacob Bethel scored the highest 40 runs for England in the second innings. For Australia, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson and Scott Boland took two wickets each, but could not lead the team to victory.

Match ends in two days, debate on pitch increases

This test match ended on the second day with the fall of 20 wickets on the first day and 16 wickets on the second day. After this, criticism regarding Melbourne’s pitch has intensified.