A view of the MCG © Getty Images

Off limits: sports stadiums around Australia remain closed © Getty Images

The MCG was packed to the rafters, and there was plenty to celebrate for the sport itself © Getty Images

The scene outside the MCG before the gates opened © Getty Images

The pitch which forced the Sheffield Shield match to be called off © Getty Images

Officials and groundstaff discuss the MCG pitch © Getty Images

Match abandoned: the MCG scoreboard relays the news © Getty Images

The MCG pitch is back in the spotlight (file photo) © Getty Images

A view of the MCG on Boxing Day © CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images

A view of the crowd at the MCG © CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images

The MCG curator Matt Page works on the pitch during an Australia training session © Getty Images

© ESPNcricinfo Ltd

© ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day © Getty Images

Storm clouds make an appearance © Cricket Australia/Getty Images

Not all cricket was stopped at the MCG for rain © AFP

Wahab Riaz takes a look at the MCG surface © AFP

A Finch among the seagulls © Getty Images