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SCG Curator Confident in Pitch Color Ahead of Decisive Fifth Ashes Test

SCG curator Adam Lewis expressed satisfaction with the pitch's current color and green tinge ahead of the fifth Ashes Test. He emphasized shutting out external noise and focusing on producing the best possible wicket given the climate. Lewis aims for a surface with good carry early on but an even bounce to encourage good batting over five days. This comes after the Melbourne pitch received an unsatisfactory ICC rating following a two-day finish.

Key Points: SCG Pitch Color & Condition for 5th Ashes Test | Curator's View

  • Pitch under scrutiny after Melbourne rating
  • Curator avoids social media noise
  • Aiming for good carry and even bounce
  • Weather may help drying
2 min read

"Happy with colour of the pitch": SCG curator ahead of fifth Ashes Test

SCG curator Adam Lewis addresses pitch concerns ahead of the final Ashes Test, aiming for a balanced surface after Melbourne's poor ICC rating.

"We're happy with the colour of the pitch at the moment... hoping for a nice green tinge on Day 1. - Adam Lewis, SCG Curator"

Sydney Januar, y 2

Sydney Cricket Ground curator Adam Lewis is happy with the colour of the pitch ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney between Australia and England, starting January 4.

The Sydney wicket for the fifth Test has been in the spotlight after the pitch for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground recieved an unsatisfactory rating from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after England won the fourth Test in Melbourne by four wickets inside two days.

Notably, this was the second time in the ongoing Ashes series that a match was ended inside the first two days. Before the Melbourne Test, the Ashes opener in Perth was finished inside two days.

With all eyes on the SCG pitch, curator Lewis opened up that he has been away from the outside noise and is looking to produce the best wicket they can.

"I don't scroll, I don't have social media, so I try and keep all that negative energy away from me. We just put our own pressure on ourselves. We're trying to produce the best pitch we can with the climate that we're given. We're happy with the colour of the pitch at the moment, we don't want it to not have any green in it three days out from the Test. We'll be able to take that colour out of it over the next couple of days. Hopefully, we see a little bit of sun, which will help draw the moisture out.

"Look, we're hoping for a nice green tinge on Day 1 so the ball can get some good carry, but a nice and even surface. We're looking like we've got good weather for the five days, and my gut feeling is that we will see some good batting," he added.

Meanwhile, Australia have retained the Ashes after having a 3-1 lead in the ongoing series. The hosts clinched victories in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. The Ben Stokes-led England secured a memorable win in Melbourne, avoiding a whitewash.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I find this whole pitch talk fascinating. In India, we have our own debates about turning tracks! It's good to see the curator being so detailed. A green tinge on Day 1 that eases out sounds perfect for a five-day match.
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Arjun K
Finally some sense! "I don't scroll, I don't have social media" – more people should follow this. Too much negativity online. Just let the man do his job. Hope we get a pitch where both Smith and Root can score big runs.
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Priya S
The Ashes is such a legendary series, it deserves a proper five-day battle. England showed great fight in Melbourne. If the SCG pitch is fair, we might see another close game even if the urn is already decided. Can't wait to watch!
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I have to disagree with the focus on pitch colour. The ICC giving an 'unsatisfactory' rating for Melbourne is a serious issue. It's not about outside noise, it's about the standard of Test cricket. Curators have a huge responsibility to the game.
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Karthik V
Weather playing a big role in pitch preparation – reminds me of the monsoon season affecting matches here. Hope they get the sun they need! A drawn-out, tense fifth day finish at the SCG would be the perfect end to the series. 🤞

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