The Melbourne Cricket Ground's pitch for the Boxing Day Test was heavily criticized after a two-day match that saw 36 wickets fall, resulting in England's first win in Australia since 2011 and a significant revenue loss for Cricket Australia. Pitch curator Matthew Fox expressed shock and disappointment, noting the unusual and unpredictable nature of the match, which was influenced by the grass length and weather conditions. The event has prompted reviews and discussions about pitch preparation and future testing strategies.
The first day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne was chaotic with 20 wickets falling, largely due to the Melbourne groundsman's decision to leave 10mm of grass on the pitch, which many experts and former players criticized for favoring bowlers and making batting difficult, sparking controversy over pitch preparation and its impact on the game.
The Netherlands women's football team has criticized the amateurish organization of the Women's World Cup, expressing their disappointment and anger over the training conditions in New Zealand. Coach Andries Jonker raised concerns about the hard cricket pitch at the Bay Oval in Tauranga, fearing potential injuries to his players. Despite their complaints, the Dutch team will continue to train at the venue but have abandoned plans for full pitch practice. The Dutch football association had previously expressed concerns to FIFA and were promised that the pitch would be removed before their arrival.
