Perth’s famously fast and bouncy pitch is unlikely to produce the “big-snake cracks” seen in previous years, with the ground’s curator, Isaac McDonald, adapting to unseasonal rain in the lead-up to the first Border-Gavaskar Test.
The unexpected damp weather has disrupted preparation at Optus Stadium, where the pitch has been undercover for much of the past few days. McDonald acknowledged that the rain, along with forecasts for more on Thursday, has impacted the pitch’s development. However, clear conditions are expected during the Test match itself.
“We started prep a bit earlier than usual due to the weather, but we’re comfortable as a team,” McDonald said. Despite the challenges, he confirmed that around 8-10mm of grass will remain on the pitch, but added that the surface is unlikely to deteriorate as dramatically as it did during last summer’s Australia-Pakistan Test.
The famed “WACA cracks” that typically offer variable bounce throughout a match are expected to be less prominent this time around. McDonald explained, “There’ll be some deterioration, but we won’t see the big-snake cracks like last year.”
Australia’s pacers, including Josh Hazlewood, are known to thrive on Perth’s quick pitch. Hazlewood, who took advantage of the cracks to dismantle Pakistan last summer, expressed confidence ahead of the Test. “The wicket is always nice for pace bowling, with bounce and potentially a few cracks,” Hazlewood said.
As for India, Hazlewood believes their strong batting lineup, though under pressure, will be a challenge. He highlighted the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara, who had been a thorn in Australia’s side during the previous series, as a relief. “I’m pretty happy that Puj isn’t here,” Hazlewood said, acknowledging the pressure young Indian players face to perform.
Australia, with a settled XI, will aim to continue their dominant record in Perth. The series, with five Tests, is expected to be a tough challenge, with Hazlewood and his team eager to end a long wait for a series win over India.
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