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Pitches improving in Australia despite MCG farce

Figures show Test wickets are on the improve around the world despite the fears over the MCG's deck for Boxing Day.

The fallout from the failed efforts to liven up the MCG continue to dominate the lead up to Australia's series against New Zealand, after the Sheffield Shield abandonment.

'RIDICULOUS’: Players slam 'toxic' conditions at iconic SCG

Cricket Australia remains positive Boxing Day won't be affected, despite fears the dangerous weekend wicket could see it revert to being low and slow.

But world over, it appears pitches are at least getting better after more than a decade of bat dominating ball.

LCD screen announces play is abandoned prior to the start of day two of the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 08, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
LCD screen announces play is abandoned prior to the start of day two of the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 08, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

There have only been three draws in 31 Tests this year - all rain-affected - making it the least of any year since 1956.

Teams have also averaged less than 30 runs per wicket both this year and last, for the first time since 2000.

Australia's coach Justin Langer labelled flat pitches one of the biggest threats to Test cricket on Tuesday, but insists Australia's grounds aren't the chief culprits.

"I see flat pitches as a huge problem for the health of cricket," Langer said.

Officials are seen speaking with the curator, as play is abandoned due to an unsafe pitch prior to the start of day two of the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 08, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.
Officials are seen speaking with the curator, as play is abandoned due to an unsafe pitch prior to the start of day two of the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 08, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

"I've said this for 20 years, for the health of Test cricket, first-class cricket and even one-day cricket you want to play on wickets where there's a contest.

"We've seen it a few years at the MCG ... but I imagine you get a higher proportion of results here in Australia.

"I think Australian wickets are going pretty well."

Matches in Australia this century have seen results in 84 per cent of fixtures, second only to the 87 per cent in South Africa.

The venues for the New Zealand series are of particular interest.

Perth's Optus Stadium was the most lively of the summer last year despite being rated "average", but the SCG and MCG have both swayed too far in favour of batsmen.

But there was some positive news on Tuesday, with senior NSW and Queensland players giving the SCG the tick of approval following the Blues' nine-wicket win.

"I think that'd be a pretty good deck to roll out for the Test here," Usman Khawaja said.

"It's feeling more like the SCG of old ... Which is nice."