‘Short Tests Are Bad For Business,’ CA CEO Hints At Intervening On Pitches

Todd Greenberg revealed that he barely slept after watching 20 wickets fall on Boxing Day at the MCG despite the massive turnout.

Cricket Australia had anticipated big numbers across the entire Boxing Day Test, even though the Ashes were already decided.

After losing roughly AUD$5 million (US$3.3 million) on the two-day Test in Perth, where 19 wickets fell on day one, another short Test in Melbourne could mean another huge loss, even with 94,199 people packing the ground on day one and another sell-out following.

Greenberg didn’t hide his worries when asked whether 20 wickets in a day was simply too much.

"The short answer for that, in my opinion, is yes," Greenberg said. "As mesmerising and fascinating and enjoyable as it was to watch as a fan, we want Test cricket clearly to go for longer. A simple phrase I'd use is that short tests are bad for business. I can't be much more blunt than that."

He also stressed that while batting mistakes play a role, the balance between bat and ball had swung too far.

"I would like to see a slightly broader balance between the bat and the ball. I thought yesterday slightly favoured the ball… we've got some challenges."

Former players and commentators also questioned the MCG pitch, believing it gave too much assistance to seamers.

Could CA step in on pitch preparation?

Greenberg was asked whether Cricket Australia would consider stepping in more directly on Test pitch management to avoid repeat situations.

"Historically, we have taken a hands-off approach in all of our wicket preparation… But it's hard not to get more involved when you see the impact on the sport, particularly commercially."

He made it clear CA won’t dictate to curators, but expectations may need firmer communication.

"I'm not suggesting we're going to go around talking to groundstaff, but we do have to have a careful eye on what our expectations are over the course of a summer."

CA has already implemented internal cost-cutting, made administrative redundancies, and is exploring private investment in the BBL over the next year. 

Greenberg summed up the dilemma:

"I didn't sleep well last night, put it that way… our challenge is to make sure we can continue those experiences day after day. That's the challenge for all of us."

Cricket Australia now faces the tricky balance of maintaining exciting cricket while ensuring the longest format remains commercially sustainable.