This was only the third instance in Australia where 20 wickets fell in a single day, after 1894/95, 1901/02 and 1931/32. Batting first, Australia survived just 45.2 overs and were bowled out for 152. In reply, England were dismissed for 110, making it an extraordinary day at the MCG that raised serious questions about Australian cricket.
The drama continued as Australia again failed with the bat, getting bowled out for 132 and setting England a modest target of 174. England chased it down comfortably, wrapping up the match in just two days.
The unusually short Test has triggered debate over the quality of the pitch, as well as concerns about modern playing styles and the approach of top bowlers and batters to the purest format of the game.
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Australian Cricket Board opens up
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said on SEN radio, "I didn't sleep well last night, put it that way. It was an amazing day of Test cricket, so for that record number of people who were here, boy, they’ve had an experience. But our challenge is to make sure we can continue those experiences day after day. That’s the challenge for all of us.”
He had to admit that the match was also painful for fans, and it also diminished their business, "A simple phrase I'd use is short Tests are bad for business. I can't be much more blunt than that," he said.
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Adding to this, he addressed the role Cricket Australia could play in ensuring such "bad business" does not become a recurring problem. Greenberg said he would not issue directives to curators at stadiums across the country, but also made it clear that remaining passive was not an option.
He acknowledged that it is difficult to stay detached when the wider impact on the sport is evident, especially from a commercial perspective. While stressing that he had no intention of personally intervening with ground staff, he underlined the importance of Cricket Australia closely monitoring standards and clearly managing expectations throughout the summer.
