Australia and Pakistan are set to compete in a boxing day Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, 2023.
AUS vs PAK 2nd Test Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Report Today Match 2023
The Melbourne Cricket Ground presents a well-balanced surface for red-ball cricket, offering distinct phases that challenge both bowlers and batsmen. In the initial stages, pacers benefit from excellent bounce and seam movement with the new ball, providing them an advantageous start. However, as the day progresses, particularly after lunch, the dynamics shift, favoring the batsmen. The pitch tends to settle, making it conducive for strokeplay and contributing to an engaging battle between bat and ball.
Spin bowlers, on the other hand, encounter challenges as the pitch typically offers minimal assistance for turn. This characteristic often means that spinners need to rely on variations and control rather than expecting significant spin from the surface.
Fans can anticipate a visually appealing pitch, with a discernible presence of grass. This grass covering not only adds to the aesthetic but also influences the behavior of the ball, providing an additional element for both bowlers and batsmen to contend with. Overall, the Melbourne Cricket Ground stands as a cricketing arena that caters to a diverse range of skills, ensuring an exciting and well-contested match in the red-ball format.
Also read: Melbourne Cricket Ground Test Records & Stats- Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test Today Match 2023
AUS vs PAK 2nd Test Melbourne Cricket Ground Avg Score, Highest Total and More Today Match 2023
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, a historic venue in Australia, has been witness to Test cricket since its inaugural match on 15/03/1877. Over the years, it has hosted a total of 115 Test matches, with the last one concluding on 26/12/2022.
In these contests, the home side has exhibited dominance, securing victory in 66 matches (57.39%), while touring sides have managed 32 wins (27.83%). Notably, no neutral side has claimed a victory on this iconic ground.
Teams have displayed varying strengths, with 56 matches won by the side batting first and 42 by the side batting second. Winning the toss has been consequential, with 52 victories for the side winning the toss and 46 for the side losing the toss.
Drawing a comprehensive picture, 17 matches have resulted in a draw, showcasing the competitive nature of contests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Individual and team performances have left a lasting mark on the records. The highest individual innings record belongs to R M Cowper (Australia), who scored 307 against England on 11/02/1966. Sarfraz Nawaz’s remarkable bowling figures of 9/86 on 10/03/1979 against Australia stand as the best in an innings, while W Rhodes (England) holds the record for the best bowling in a match with figures of 15/124 on 01/01/1904 against Australia.
The highest team innings record is 624/8 declared by Australia on 26/12/2016 against Pakistan. In contrast, the lowest team innings stands at 36, a feat achieved by South Africa on 12/02/1932 against Australia.
Noteworthy run chases include England’s achievement of 332/7 on 29/12/1928 against Australia.
Statistical averages further illuminate the cricketing dynamics at this ground, with an average opening stand of 34.30 runs, average runs per wicket and per over both standing at 29.89 and 2.91, respectively. The average score batting first is 306, underscoring the historical significance and competitive spirit embodied by the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Test cricket.
| City | Melbourne | ||
| Country | Australia | ||
| First Test Match | 15/03/1877 | ||
| Last Test Match | 26/12/2022 | ||
| Matches Played | 115 | ||
| Matches Won by Home Side | 66 (57.39%) | ||
| Matches Won by Touring Side | 32 (27.83%) | ||
| Matches Won by Neutral Side | 0 (0.00%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting First | 56 (48.28%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting Second | 42 (36.21%) | ||
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 52 (44.83%) | ||
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 46 (39.66%) | ||
| Matches Drawn | 17 (14.78%) | ||
| Matches Tied | 0 (0.00%) | ||
| Highest Individual Innings | 307 | R M Cowper (Australia) | 11/02/1966 v England |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 9/86 | Sarfraz Nawaz (Pakistan) | 10/03/1979 v Australia |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 15/124 | W Rhodes (England) | 01/01/1904 v Australia |
| Highest Team Innings | 624/8 dec (Australia) | 26/12/2016 v Pakistan | |
| Lowest Team Innings | 36 (South Africa) | 12/02/1932 v Australia | |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 332/7 (England) | 29/12/1928 v Australia | |
| Average Opening Stand (Runs) | 34.30 | ||
| Average Runs per Wicket | 29.89 | ||
| Average Runs per Over | 2.91 | ||
| Average Score Batting First | 306 | ||
