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[Saba Sports News] Former Australian captain Tim Paine strongly criticized the SCG pitch in the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania, calling it an “absolute disgrace.” The game saw an extraordinary 24 wickets fall on the third day, with Tasmania collapsing to 68. Despite this, there remains hope for improved pitch conditions for future matches, including the New Year’s Test against Pakistan.
The SCG saw dramatic action with 63 overs bowled on Thursday, characterized by severe seam movement and unpredictable bounce. Tasmania’s chase of 143 fell short as they struggled with the pitch’s inconsistent nature.
Paine highlighted the need for better-quality wickets, noting the erratic sideways movement and bounce, and described the pitch as unfit for first-class cricket.
“That wicket was absolute disgrace. This a Test venue in the strongest state in the country, and they rolled that up. That’s embarrassing. The ball was seaming sideways, it was going up and down, it wasn’t fit for first-class cricket. That was a disgraceful wicket. I haven’t spoken to people, but you could see it on the screen it had those cracks where it’s like got grass over it. You don’t even see that in club cricket,” Paine shared.
As the SCG prepares for the New Year’s Test against Pakistan, it’s experimenting with different grass strains for the Shield matches compared to the Test against Pakistan in January. There are assurances about the quality of the Test pitch, which will be a focal point of David Warner’s exit from the format.
This pitch will be used for televised games, underscoring its significance.
In the lead-up to the Test, the SCG will host three Big Bash League (BBL) games featuring teams like Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades on December 8, Adelaide Strikers on December 22, and Melbourne Stars on December 26.
However, a review of the pitch’s readiness is pending, considering factors like recent Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) matches and weather conditions, to ensure optimal playing conditions.