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Two days before Australia and Pakistan play their
first Test match at Optus Stadium, there are still ten millimetres of grass on
the pitch, but head curator Isaac McDonald predicts a “hard, fast and
bouncy” surface, so more will likely be removed.
Following a calm pitch in the dull Test match between
Australia and the West Indies last summer that proceeded smoothly into the
fifth day, pressure has been placed on the ground personnel. This Test match is
only the fourth to be held at the 60,000-seat venue, which hasn’t been able to
draw in a sizable crowd.
Given that Western Australia cricket appears to have a
lot on the line, it is hoped that a fiery wicket like the WACA’s renowned pace
and bounce could help ignite a Test match. Less than three weeks have passed
since the drop-in pitch, which has been displayed at Optus Stadium since
February, was relocated to the playing field. Although pitches there played
sluggishly earlier in the Sheffield Shield season, it has the same local clay
and variety of grass as the WACA surfaces.
The game is anticipated to take place in somewhat
warmer temperatures, perhaps 30 degrees Celsius, despite the fact that the
Optus Stadium drop-in surface was installed during oppressive late-spring
weather.
“The conditions are really favourable for making
a really nice, fast, hard and bouncy wicket,” McDonald told reporters on
Tuesday, with a green-tinged pitch notable in the backdrop. “I’m really
happy with the presentation and how it’s going.
“At the moment I’m at 10mm [of grass] and that’s
where I started last year’s game. But there’s still a day of prep. It’s hard to
give a number, but I can’t see it staying at 10. Definitely not having as much
grass on top is what I’m aiming for.”