Australia v New Zealand 2nd Test at the MCG December 26-30

[Gough]

Holster your hangovers and away we go.

Australia to look to sew up series as New Zealand get ready for defining MCG Test

WTC 2019-2021 Australia vs New Zealand Match Preview: The pitch is likely to start with plenty of live grass but there remains uncertainty as to how it will play

www.espncricinfo.com

 

[iBeng]

Should be a cracker.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Let’s hope the pitch offers something at least

 

[Gavin Excell]

Let’s hope the pitch offers something at least

The fear is the curator cant have a repeat of the abandoned Shield game so will overcompensate resulting in the standard lifeless Mcg wicket

 

[LukeParkerno1]

The fear is the curator cant have a repeat of the abandoned Shield game so will overcompensate resulting in the standard lifeless Mcg wicket

That’s my huge fear and fully expecting it

 

[Wedge McManus]

The fear is the curator cant have a repeat of the abandoned Shield game so will overcompensate resulting in the standard lifeless Mcg wicket

Can't help but feel this is exactly what will happen. NZ will still struggle outside of Taylor, Williamson and Watling IMO. Henry Nicholls lol he's the new Jeet Raval

 

[OhhhhhCyril]

What time does the sun plan on coming out today. Looks shit. Bloddy better not rain

 

[Filthy Sanchez]

Let’s do ittttt

 

[Underarm]

Good day to lose the toss.

 

[iBeng]

Doesnt look like its broadcast anywhere in NZ today

 

[Kapow!!!]

The fear is the curator cant have a repeat of the abandoned Shield game so will overcompensate resulting in the standard lifeless Mcg wicket

This is why, in a purely one-eyed state biased sort of way, I'm really hoping we leave out Neser for this test as there is no tougher job for a debuting pace bowler (especially one more renowned for Seam movement than express pace) than Days 1-4 on a traditional MCG wicket against a good (or even competent) batting line-up.

But at the same time if he does play for Head or Wade I can understand why we went for the overcorrection of bowlers but I don't agree it will help any and just leave us short staffed on batting depth.

 

[Messenger]

Today is the coolest day weather wise, gets much warmer after that so the pitch should turn later.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Doesnt look like its broadcast anywhere in NZ today

Wtf?

How on earth could that be

 

[Messenger]

This is why, in a purely one-eyed state biased sort of way, I'm really hoping we leave out Neser for this test as there is no tougher job for a debuting pace bowler (especially one more renowned for Seam movement than express pace) than Days 1-4 on a traditional MCG wicket against a good (or even competent) batting line-up.

But at the same time if he does play for Head or Wade I can understand why we went for the overcorrection of bowlers but I don't agree it will help any and just leave us short staffed on batting depth.

Paine is not a Test #6. Eek.

 

[Kapow!!!]

Paine is not a Test #6. Eek.

That thought also terrifies me

 

[Badesumofu]

Pitch looks fairly juicy to me, watching on Fox.

 

[Mad_Hatter]

I really really hope this isn't another lifeless road that offers absolutely nothing...

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Today is the coolest day weather wise, gets much warmer after that so the pitch should turn later.

I’ll believe that in regards to the pitch when we see it- they said that the last 2 years

 

[Marklar_33]

Doesnt look like its broadcast anywhere in NZ today

This can’t be right

 

[LukeParkerno1]

That thought also terrifies me

If Marsh can be one I guess Paine couldn’t do worse....

That said Paine is barely a 7. Excellent gloveman though

 

[troybe]

Doesnt look like its broadcast anywhere in NZ today

On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[PT Bar None]

Forecast suggesting only chance of rain is in the south east suburbs. Practically no chance of rain anywhere else. So that's a good thing!

Wouldn't surprise me if this cloud fines up after lunch, based upon recent similar temperature days.

Does anyone else still instinctively tune their TV to channel 9 on Boxing Day morning? Or just me

 

[RedTinMania]

Yeahh no way 5 bowlers should be considered, can't afford to weaken an already patchy middle order

 

[Pakenhamsaint]

You can spot all the Kiwis at the ground. They have no idea where thier seats are

 

[Hamingja]

Yeahh no way 5 bowlers should be considered, can't afford to weaken an already patchy middle order

Especially if NZ bowl first, make use of the conditions early and take a few wickets first session, then the pitch reverts to an absolute road for day 2-4.

I think that is how the pitch will end up playing.