BGT 2024-25: Will SCG have a flat pitch too? Curator weighs in
Xtra Time Web Desk: The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is gearing up to host the much-anticipated fifth and final Test between India and Australia, starting January 3. With the series hanging in the balance, the spotlight is firmly on the pitch conditions and how they might influence the outcome of the match.
Adam Lewis, the SCG pitch curator, shared insights into the preparations for the crucial fixture. He revealed that the covers were removed from the pitch for the first time on Wednesday, and the grass has been trimmed to 7mm. The surface is also undergoing extensive rolling to ensure optimal playing conditions.
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A New Year’s Day update with SCG Curator, Adam Lewis ????#PinkTest pic.twitter.com/QfyZQ6Risd
— Sydney Cricket Ground (@scg) January 1, 2025
"So we're two days out now, getting to the final stages of the prep. We’ve taken the covers off this morning, given a cut 7mm and giving it a nice roll today, nice pressing. Really happy with where it’s at. Giving it a little flick of water, it's very hot in Sydney today, so we'll just keep the moisture there just at the top. And then tomorrow, we'll do a little bit more heavier rolling, take a little bit of the colour out, then we should be ready to go for the third (morning),” Lewis said in a video posted by SCG’s official X handle.
Traditionally, the SCG pitch has offered conditions resembling those found in the subcontinent. It often favors spinners, especially as the game progresses, while also providing an excellent surface for batting. Once batters settle in, it can be challenging to dislodge them, making the pitch a double-edged sword for both teams.
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Meanwhile, India enters the decider trailing 1-2 in the series after suffering a 184-run defeat in Melbourne. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at stake, the Rohit Sharma-led squad faces immense pressure to secure a win and level the series. Anything less than a victory will see Australia reclaim the coveted trophy for the first time since 2017.
As the countdown to the fifth Test begins, the SCG pitch remains a focal point, potentially shaping the final chapter of this hard-fought series.
