Boxing Day Test to stay at MCG
Pakistan is likely to play its Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after fears that delays on building work would see the fixture moved to the Telstra Dome
Wisden Cricinfo staff
28-Nov-2004
Australia is likely to play the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with drop-in pitches installed on the refurbished ground, its curator disclosed this weekend. There had been fears that the match would be transferred to the Telstra Dome after heavy rain had delayed building work.
The MCG, which hosted the first Test of all in 1876-77, is undergoing an extensive refit before the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Tony Ware, the MCG's curator, said that he was confident that it would be ready in time for the second Test against Pakistan starting on December 26.
Ware told the Melbourne-based Sunday Herald Sun newspaper: "The wickets are in good shape, our Test pitch is in good shape and it is really well grassed." He indicated that if the weather remains good, the ground's grass surface could be laid down by early to mid-December, giving it time to bind. "It is possible some of the grass will start to be laid this week."
Australia will play the first Test against Pakistan at Perth starting on December 16, before the series continues in Melbourne after Christmas. The third Test, at Sydney, begins on January 2.