MCG curator dismisses Englis media’s pitch conspiracy theories

MELBOURNE - MCG curator Cameron Hodgkins has dismissed English media’s conspiracy theories that he has prepared a Boxing Day Test pitch to give Australia an advantage.

Hodgkins said the drop-in pitch would have plenty on offer for spinners on the opening day before flattening out under the roller over the rest of the five days.

“It’s a wicket which offers a little bit up front and is quite flat towards the end of the match,” Fox Sports quoted Hodgkins, as saying.

Several drop-in pitches are placed in the centre of the MCG once the AFL season finishes in October and the one to be used is Hodgkins’ second choice.

He infamously decided to ditch his preferred strip just two weeks before the Test was due to kick off, sending old foe England into a frenzy.

“The last time I spoke to someone from Cricket Australia was in the middle of winter,” Hodgkins said.

“It was entirely a personal thing (changing pitches).

“Two weeks ago it became pretty evident that my first option wasn’t going to be ideal for what I envisaged for a Test pitch.

“I was able to then go to what I thought would be a better surface.” (ANI)