The Sydney Cricket Ground has claimed an early psychological victory over the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the opening day of the Pink Test being declared a major success. This comes in direct contrast to the Boxing Day Test disaster in Melbourne, which concluded in just two days and resulted in significant financial losses for Cricket Australia.
Pitch Scrutiny Gives Way to Praise
All attention was focused on the SCG wicket after the Melbourne pitch fiasco, with players and officials deeply concerned about the playing surface. By the lunch break on Day One, however, the early verdict was overwhelmingly positive. England had regained control of their first innings, passing 100 runs for the loss of three wickets.
Star commentator Alison Mitchell highlighted England captain Ben Stokes's honest pre-match assessment. "I did enjoy Ben Stokes' honesty in his captain's press conference beforehand when so much focus was on it," Mitchell said on Seven. "He said, 'Well, you know, we all get down there, we all play a good game, we pat the pitch, we rub the pitch, we feel the pitch. None of us have a clue, really'."
Ricky Ponting agreed, noting his own experience. "It's actually what I said this morning as well, and I've played probably more games on it than what he has," Ponting said. "I mean, it had a lot of grass and it was green but I think we all felt it was probably going to play better than what it looked. I think it certainly has done that. It was some swing early on. There's been a little bit of seam movement. All in all, it's been a very good batting wicket."
Former Australian coach Justin Langer echoed the sentiment, stating the pitch was "exactly what Cricket Australia and all the fans would be hoping for" and calling it a "very, very good batting pitch."
A "Road" for Batting and Curator's Confidence
Initial concerns about the grassy covering were quickly dismissed as England's Joe Root and Harry Brook built a strong partnership. Root was 50 not out at the time of writing, having shared a century stand with Brook. Reports indicated the SCG wicket had 2mm less grass than the previous year and less density beneath the surface to help keep it flat.
Some fans described the surface as a "road," but the consensus was that chief curator Adam Lewis had executed his job well. Lewis had expressed confidence in the pitch days before the match. "You want to see green tinge three days out," Lewis said on Friday. "If you're not seeing any live grass three days out, then that's when it's a worry... I'm really comfortable with where we're sitting. We had a little bit of sun this morning. They're saying a bit more sun tomorrow. That will take the greenness out of the pitch."
Emotional Tribute to Bondi Heroes
The start of the Pink Test was also marked by a powerful and emotional tribute to the heroes of the Bondi Junction stabbing attack. A sold-out crowd rose as one as Ahmed Al Ahmed, his arm in a sling, walked onto the pitch before play began. The Syrian-born father of two, who helped disarm one of the attackers, was visibly moved.
He was joined by Chaya Dadon, who was shot in the leg while shielding two children during the attack on December 14. She arrived at the SCG on crutches. The names of the 15 victims were displayed on the stadium screens under the words "forever in our hearts."
A procession of first responders, including intensive care paramedics, doctors, lifesavers, and local police, accompanied them onto the field. Australian players Alex Carey and Cameron Green applauded the duo, acknowledging that the day's true heroes were not wearing cricket whites.
"Thank you everybody, thank you for sharing our gratitude for the incredible service that these individuals and many others provided," the ground announcer said as applause filled the stadium. "We thank you all for your continued care for our community in response to this tragedy."
