The Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia at the MCG was suspended on the opening day due to concerns over a dangerous pitch less than three weeks before the Boxing Day Test.
The umpires took the players off in the 40th over with Western Australia 3 for 89 following discussions with the players and head groundsman Matt Page after the batsmen had taken a series of blows to the body.
The decision was taken between the umpires and match referee for the groundstaff to roll the surface with a further inspection due to take place at 4pm local time.
Play has been suspended indefinitely at the MCG due to a dangerous pitch
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The MCG pitch has been the focus of much debate in recent years with a lifeless surface for the 2017-18 Ashes Test earning the ground a ‘poor’ rating from the ICC which put them on notice of formal sanctions. Last year’s pitch against India was again slow, but the visiting attack managed to take 20 wickets to comfortably beat Australia.
There have been extensive attempts to bring more pace and bounce back to the pitch, as well as natural wear as the game progresses, and the surface for the Shield match against Queensland earlier this season earned positive reviews for being a good contest.
More to follow