Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has called for pitches like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to be scrutinised just as closely as Indian pitches. His comments came after 20 wickets fell on the first day of the fourth Test in the ongoing Ashes series 2025/26.
Pietersen wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “India ALWAYS gets hammered when wickets fall like crazy on day 1 of a Test and so I hope that Australia gets the same scrutiny! Fair is fair!”
After winning the toss, England opted to bowl first. Josh Tongue picked up a five-wicket haul as Australia were bowled out for 152 on Day One. However, in reply, England failed to seize the opportunity and were bundled out for just 110. Michael Neser took four wickets, while Scott Boland picked up three.
Both teams were bowled out on the opening day, which triggered widespread criticism from cricket experts across the world over the behaviour of the pitch.
The match eventually ended on Day Two. Australia could only manage 132 in the second innings, with Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes taking four and three wickets respectively. England chased down the target with four wickets to spare.
Former England captain Alastair Cook also criticised the surface, calling it “an unfair contest” while speaking on TNT Sports.
“The bowlers didn’t have to work hard for their wickets. It was an unfair contest. I don’t know how you hit it [the ball]. If this flattens out tomorrow then fine, it’s an even contest over three or four days. But I don’t think this is particularly even.”
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