Melbourne Cricket Ground curator Matt Page (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Australian coach Andrew McDonald has backed Melbourne Cricket Ground curator Matt Page and warned against interference by the authorities in the preparation of the ground. Page and his staff came under fire after leaving about 10 millimeters of grass on the surface for the fourth Ashes Test against England.The conditions offered significant movement and bounce for the seamers, making batting difficult, with England securing a four-wicket victory over two days.
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The early completion resulted in a major financial hit for Cricket Australia, which is set to refund tickets for three, four and five days, resulting in an estimated loss of revenue of Aus$10 million (US$6.7 million).McDonald said Page had done an “extraordinary” job over the years and felt even those coming up had to take responsibility for falling short of the competition totals.“I always use the perspective that we have bad Test matches as well – we weren’t at our best in this Test and sometimes things like that can happen.”“We support him in what he has done and are really proud of the development of the MCG.“He found a nice balance for a long time.International Cricket Council match referee Jeff Crowe is yet to submit his assessment of the pitch. An “unsatisfactory” rating would result in the venue receiving a demerit point.Cricket Australia is also expected to conduct a review of Test ground management at the end of the season.CEO Todd Greenberg suggested an interventionist approach may be required, pointing out that shorter tests are “bad for business”.However, McDonald said he was strongly opposed to interference, stressing that curators in Australia traditionally work independently of captains and Cricket Australia to prepare pitches.“I don’t want to get into a situation … where we’re asking for specific finishes and custom,” McDonald said.“I don’t think Australia will ever go there, and as far as I know, I don’t think they’ve ever been there.
