Piers Morgan has blasted Australian cricket officials after the MCG pitch curator Matt Page was made to face the media following the chaotic Boxing Day Test. The match, which ended in less than two days with 36 wickets falling, saw England claim their first Test victory on Australian soil in over 14 years.
Morgan took to social media to criticize the decision to put Page in front of journalists, calling it 'pathetic' and a 'sacrificial lamb'. He argued that both teams played on the same pitch and that England simply performed better. The broadcaster had earlier described the scenes as 'bonkers' and 'insane'.
The pitch, which had 10mm of grass cover, was heavily criticized for its volatile movement. England captain Ben Stokes suggested there would be 'hell' if such conditions occurred outside Australia. Page admitted he was in 'shock' and hoped never to see such a pitch again.
The two-day Test is estimated to have cost Cricket Australia between $10 million and $25 million in lost revenue. Despite the backlash, Page has been backed to retain his role and improve for next year. The focus now shifts to the SCG, where ground staff are under pressure to produce a pitch lasting at least three days for the fifth Test starting January 4.
