"On Sunday in Melbourne, when 90,000 fans should have been enjoying day three of the fourth Test, they put Matt Page, chief curator at the MCG, in front of the media to face a grilling over that casino of a two-day pitch. Page was contrite, admitted his mistakes, and vowed to never repeat the 10mm of grass that, while designed to guard against hotter weather later in the match, delivered a second hammer blow to Cricket Australia's finances this series."
"For all the public anger Stuart Fox, the ground's chief executive, did not sound as if he was about to issue Page with his marching orders. Aberrations happen, people are only human and everyone deserves a second chance. Fair enough. The question now for English cricket is whether the four-wicket victory that they achieved through such an absurd seamer-friendly shootout is enough to similarly mean the status quo holding."
"For Joe Root, basking in his first Test win on Australian soil at the 18th attempt, there is no reason to change things. Errors have been made, opportunities squandered and high profile absentees for the hosts not remotely capitalised upon. But for all the disappointment, Brendon McCullum remains a head coach he still very much believes in. In terms of the playing group, we're absolutely committed to the management, said Root."
Matt Page, chief curator at the MCG, admitted mistakes over a two-day pitch and vowed not to repeat the 10mm of grass intended to guard against hotter weather but which worsened play and hit Cricket Australia's finances. Stuart Fox, the ground's chief executive, declined to dismiss Page publicly, citing human error and second chances. England secured a four-wicket victory in a seamer-friendly contest, making this their most successful Ashes tour in 15 years despite losing the series. Joe Root backed the existing management and Brendon McCullum remained firmly supported as head coach amid calls for change.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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