Cummins’ yearning for Boxing Day Test

During recent Boxing Day fixtures against England and India, the MCG’s deck offered little assistance to bowlers.

As a result, Melbourne cricket fans were treated to high-scoring contests in 2017 and 2018, with batsmen compiling large totals without difficulty.

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After the MCG pitch was rated “poor” and “average” for consecutive Boxing Day Tests, curators unveiled a more unpredictable wicket for last summer’s match against New Zealand.

The green deck provided more seam movement and variable bounce, giving bowlers more of an opportunity to have an impact.

Speaking to reporters after Australia’s eight-wicket victory in Adelaide, Cummins argued flat wickets produce dull spectacles for fans.

“The Ashes Test and the Indian Test at the MCG a couple of years ago were pretty flat and boring wickets as a bowler,” Cummins said.

“I thought last year against New Zealand was a really good wicket – it had a bit of sideways movement and bit of pace and bounce, so hopefully much the same (this year).

“They’re the best wickets, when it’s a good battle between bat and ball. You feel like if you do your skill well, you can have a big impact on the game.”

Cummins claimed 7/69 in the series opener against India at Adelaide Oval, during which he passed 150 Test wickets.

The 27-year-old currently boasts a McGrath-like Test bowling average of 21.26. The legendary Alan Davidson is the only Australian to have taken more Test wickets at a better average than Cummins.

Sports Reporter

Sydney

Nic is a passionate sports reporter and cricket addict. He completed a Bachelor of Media at the University of New South Wales in 2018, and has since worked as a digital content creator at Fox Sports before join… Read more

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