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2/123 at tea on day one of a test match on a strip which is apparently a batting paradise isn't exactly ideal from India' perspective. A couple of wickets for Australia in the last session today could nearly see then take the honours for the day, as long as Kohli doesn't go on the attack. That said, we get Kohli cheap and early in the session then Australia is in front. Might make Kohli a little nervous just after tea, the prospect that he is carrying the Indian batting line up and they don't bat overly deep.

He has not left any green grass on the pitch; it looks like a second day wicket.and is playing accordingly.

Reminiscent of the 1st test....tight bowling all day til tea then the floodgates opened....Have to say Marsh had kept his end tidy, which may help which two get the new ball....atleast they won't be spent....definitely need one preferably both of these batters out by stumps....can't really say how much of a road this pitch is until Aust bats....could be a minefield TBH.....

Freezin wrote: Reminiscent of the 1st test....tight bowling all day til tea then the floodgates opened....Have to say Marsh had kept his end tidy, which may help which two get the new ball....atleast they won't be spent....definitely need one preferably both of these batters out by stumps....can't really say how much of a road this pitch is until Aust bats....could be a minefield TBH.....

Freeze that hot day forecast on day 2.Could cause all types of koas later in the test.

Another MCG dead track, ball already skidding through low to the keepers ankles from Hazelwood with the new cherry. Hopefully the pitch will get another poor rating and the Boxing Day test will be taken off those arrogant Victorians, in particular their Premier who has thrown insults WA's way.

Interesting days play with 70,000 plus, which is the biggest day 1 crowd in around 3-4 years for a MCG test. Good to see some life in the wicket with the new ball late in the day when Starc got a couple to rise up including one which flew straight over Paine's head.
There was a few chances late in the day, especially the gettable chance which Kohli gave Paine and he put down. That 3rd wicket would have evened up the day, early wickets tomorrow in the first session are crucial if the game is not to slip out of Australia's reach.

How is optus gunna fit 70,000 plus on boxing day???

UNKA2 wrote: How is optus gunna fit 70,000 plus on boxing day???

Who cares our stadium capacity is 60,000. That probably looks better and creates a better atmosphere if that is near full compared with 70,000 at a stadium with 100,000 capacity. For as long as I've been following cricket the MCG pitch is the worst in the country by a long way.

Spot on DD, the MCG has always been the worst pitch in Australia (remember the grubbers of the 70s & 80s) and now they can’t even get drop in pitches right with the annual roads they dish up.
And how was the appalling booing of Mitch Marsh from the crowd whenever he came on to bowl....they are a different breed the Vic/Prics...talk about Un-Australian!!

DD wrote:

UNKA2 wrote: How is optus gunna fit 70,000 plus on boxing day???

Who cares our stadium capacity is 60,000. That probably looks better and creates a better atmosphere if that is near full compared with 70,000 at a stadium with 100,000 capacity. For as long as I've been following cricket the MCG pitch is the worst in the country by a long way.

Probably only those who can't get in and if they keep the top areas closed like they did for the recenet test those who have to sit in the baking sun.