Flat MCG pitch may not draw result: Finch

AUSTRALIAN test batsman Aaron Finch and retired allrounder John Hastings have cast further doubt over the MCG pitch as pressure grows on curators to produce a lively Boxing Day Test wicket.

It was revealed yesterday that the flat deck used for this month’s Sheffield Shield draw had star players concerned another boring Boxing Day draw was on the cards.

Finch – set to open the batting in a Test match in front of his home crowd for the first time – expected curators to leave even more grass on the Test pitch.

“I haven’t played a Shield game there, but the boys said there’s been a little bit more grass on it and it’s seamed around a little bit,” Finch said.

“But it’s still been on the slower side. I don’t expect that to change a hell of a lot.”

Retired all-rounder Hastings said it was time to “throw the cake mix out” and start fresh, like they did in Perth.

“I’ve said this all along and, having played there for nearly 10 years, I just think the MCG pitch is too stale to be honest,” Hastings said yesterday.

“(New MCG curator) Matty Page is trying everything he possibly can.

“He’s experimented a little bit in the early stages of the Sheffield Shield, so he’s tried to put a bit more grass on it.” Victoria’s Glenn Maxwell and WA batsman Ashton Turner agreed the MCG pitch got easier to bat on during their draw this month.

Turner, who was unbeaten from 145 balls on day four, said it would be hard for Australia or India to get a result on the wicket.