David Warner defends MCG pitch curator amid ongoing Boxing Day Test criticism

Under-fire opening batsman David Warner has hit out at criticism of pitch curators around Australia, revealing he had sought to encourage MCG curator Matt Page in the lead-up to the Boxing Day Test. Criticism of pitch preparations in Australia has abounded following Australia's victory in the first Test against South Africa earlier in December, which was wrapped up in less than two days in Brisbane.

Fewer than 145 overs were bowled in the first Test, with runs proving exceedingly difficult to come by on a Gabba pitch that almost perfectly blended into the green outfield on day one. The visitors totalled just 251 runs combined in the first and second innings as Australia romped home to a six wicket victory.

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Travis Head earned man of the match honours for his first innings knock of 92, by far the highest score of any batsman, despite the wicket seemingly being a bowler's paradise. The second shortest Test match in Australian history has since raised questions from both critics and cricket fans as to the suitability of the pitch prepared for international Tests.

As such, all eyes have turned to MCG curator Matt Page ahead of the Boxing Day Test, which will carry extra significance as the first Test played at the famous Victorian venue since the death of Shane Warne earlier in 2022. Tributes to the late leg spin legend have been planned throughout the match, with both teams to don Warne's signature floppy broad-brimmed hat during both national anthems.

With fans no doubt hoping the second Test will go the distance, Warner said he had reached out to Page to encourage him to ignore the criticism and do what he does best. Having not scored a Test century since January 2020, Warner could be forgiven for hoping the MCG pitch would be batter friendly, but said it was important for curators to get the balance right.

"You've got to give the curators a pat on the back as well, give him some confidence to keep going out there and preparing the wickets they can prepare," he said.

"As a batter, I'd love to bat on cement, but we can't, so you've got to find ways and I feel like sometimes there's a bit of criticism that goes their way that shouldn't. So I just gave him a pat on the back and told him he's doing a great job."

David Warner hoping to defy Test criticism with Boxing Day return to form

Warner has been in the headlines regularly so far this summer, after abandoning his attempt to have his lifetime ban on holding leadership positions overturned prior to the Test series against South Africa. The 36-year-old has pointed the finger at Cricket Australia for not supporting him enough as he sought to appeal the 2018 decision.

However that has since taken a back set to his struggles with the bat, after several disappointing outings over the last 12 months. Warner will become just the 14 Australian player to play 100 Tests when Monday's match begins, and said he was feeling good about where he was at despite the mounting pressure.

"Leading into the Perth Test, my mental health probably wasn't where I needed it to be at to be 100 per cent," Warner told reporters on Christmas Eve. "And that was challenging. If I had it my way, we would have had it all sorted (by then).

"From the CA point of view, I didn't really have any support. My teammates and the staff in our team were absolutely amazing, and my family and friends – they really got me through that period. I'm in a great headspace now...I'm pumped to play another Boxing Day Test, and more importantly we've got a series that's on the line."

Asked if he wants to keep playing Test cricket beyond this series, Warner replied: "One hundred per cent.

"I love it. I wake up every day, I get out of bed knowing I have a game the next day, with the same smile on my face, the same energy and enthusiasm. You ask any of the players in the change room who's the loudest, it's me. It's what I live for."

With AAP

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