SCG Curator Expresses Satisfaction with Pitch Ahead of Final Ashes Test

After the Melbourne test ended in just two days, fans are looking forward to a more competitive match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The pitch at the venue is getting a lot of attention, as the chief head curator Adam Lewis has promised a better surface for the last match of the series.

Surprisingly, the pitch prepared for the fifth Ashes test at the SCG is looking completely green at the moment. This has once again raised concerns about whether it will assist bowlers too much during the first two days of the test. However, the SCG’s chief head curator, Adam Lewis, has reaffirmed that a tinge of green on the surface should not be a point of concern, as the pitch will play evenly for both batters and bowlers.

"You want to see green tinge three days out. If you're not seeing any live grass three days out, then that's when [it's a worry] … I'm really comfortable with where we're sitting. We had a little bit of sun this morning. They're saying a bit more sun tomorrow. That will take the greenness out of the pitch. We're really happy with the pitches at the moment. We're looking good." said chief head curator of SCG, Adam Lewis.

Speaking about the length and density of grass on the surface, Adam Lewis said they are going with 6mm grass instead of 7mm at the SCG this year. They are confident that such pitches will offer good Test matches, as they have already received positive feedback for them in the Sheffield Shield matches.

"We just thought ... we could thin our density out a little bit. That's what we've done this year. We've practised that in the Shield matches and we've received very good marks." said Adam Lewis.

The Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia (CA), Todd Greenberg, is confident that the SCG test match will offer a good competition between bat and ball. He recently had extensive discussions about pitch preparation, and therefore believes the SCG surface will provide an evenly balanced contest.

"I've had more phone calls and conversations about wickets and millimetres of grass than I thought I'd ever have. But I'm hopeful and confident we will have a long and productive Test match here." said Adam Lewis.

England Ready to Counter Murphy’s Spin Threat

Todd Murphy is expected to be part of the Australian team for the SCG test. He recently had extensive net sessions with the Australian squad, which suggests he could come in as a replacement for Nathan Lyon in the upcoming test.

The English opener, Zak Crawley, is however unfazed by the talks of Todd Murphy’s inclusion in the Australian team. He said the team will take him on aggressively, just like any other Australian bowler.

"Whoever plays, I think that's the mantra of our team, is to try and put pressure on people. Todd's a very good bowler, but I can envisage us trying to put some pressure on him, like we would all their bowlers.” said English opener, Zak Crawley.

“That's going to come with some risks, and if it's turning it's definitely going to be a threat. But I think we'll try and put pressure on all their bowlers." added Zak Crawley.

Meanwhile, Cameron Green’s inclusion in the SCG test remains uncertain, as Beau Webster was recently seen training extensively in the Australian net sessions. Green’s performances in the last few test matches have not been impressive, which is why selectors are looking at other options to strengthen the test squad.