TEST ONE OUT OF THE BOX
IT’S arguably the biggest day in Australian cricket.
And Mr Cricket himself doesn’t want to change a thing.
Mike Hussey won’t be backing any bid for his home town of Perth to snatch away the Boxing Day Test from Melbourne.
With its pitch coming under fire in recent times, the MCG’s hold on the showpiece event has begun to crack.
But the 79-Test star and now Fox Cricket commentator is not having a bar of it.
“I’m a very proud West Australian, very parochial ... (and) the new stadium is fantastic. I absolutely love it,” Hussey said.
“But, I’m also a traditionalist. I love the history of the game. I love that Boxing Day is in Melbourne.
“Even as a kid growing up, you’d love getting up early, getting the cricket on and eating all the leftovers all day.
“I don’t want change. I’m pretty happy to keep it as it is.”
The MCG got its first taste of December 26 Test match cricket in 1950, before the first official Boxing Day Test took place in 1980 – against New Zealand.
It’s been played there every year since except 1989, when a One-Day International was played instead, regularly drawing crowds of 70,000-80,000 people.
“From a player’s point of view it’s one of those special days on the whole cricket calendar,” Hussey said.
“And I know the fans absolutely love it.”
Due to its date, Hussey admitted the Test had its unique challenges.
“They’re pretty tiring as well because all the families are there,” he said. “The day before is obviously Christmas Day.
“There are plenty of distractions around, so it’s hard to concentrate on cricket.
“In the same breath, it’s fantastic to have all the families there, have a nice lunch together, but then you’ve got to try and switch on to the cricket as quickly as possible.
“I wouldn’t say my performances were fantastic on Boxing Day.
“I think I got one good score, but other than that it was pretty tough.”
This year’s Test features the touring Black Caps in their first MCG Boxing Day clash in 32
years. All eyes will be on the wicket after the recent Sheffield Shield match was called off due to dangers posed by the pitch.
Curating guru Les Burdett, brought in by Cricket Australia to help oversee its preparation for the Test, has given the pitch the thumbs up.
“I’m sure the pitch is going to be a big talking point for that first half hour or hour to see how it plays,” Hussey (pictured) said. “The groundsmen are going to be really nervous.
“But I’m sure they’ll get it sorted out and it’ll be a great spectacle. I want to see a really good contest.”
Australia won the first Test in Perth by 296 runs.
“I think the Kiwis will put in a better performance in Melbourne,” Hussey said. “It was a tough ask for them to come over out of New Zealand conditions, no warm-up games, straight into Perth where the pitch was fast and bouncy.
“Kiwi batters found it really tough ... (but) they weren’t the only ones. A lot of the Aussie batters other than (Marnus) Labuschagne battled a fair bit as well.
“The Kiwis are the No.2 side in the world for a reason. I don’t know if they can win it but they will be a lot more competitive.
“This pitch will probably suit them a bit more ... not as much pace or bounce. Their batters might be able to get in and spend a bit more time at the crease.”
Trent Boult comes into the New Zealand side after overcoming a side strain, in place of his First Test replacement Lockie Ferguson.
Likewise, James Pattinson is in for the injured Josh Hazlewood.
Hussey said Pattinson would “stir the crowd up”, and joining a red-hot Mitch
Starc and Pat Cummins, the Aussies only increase their intimidation factor. Starc was named man of the match in Perth with nine wickets.
“What has really impressed me about Starc is his control this summer,” Hussey said. “In the past he’s maybe been criticised for being a bit erratic at times. His accuracy has been impeccable.
“He’s always had the pace and the late swing, but now he’s got some control to go with it.”