Overview
- Head of operations Peter Roach said it is inconceivable for CA to take greater control, reaffirming that venue curators will prepare Test wickets.
- The stance follows two-day finishes in Perth and at the MCG during the Ashes that local reports say left CA nearly A$15 million out of pocket, with CEO Todd Greenberg calling short Tests bad for business.
- CA employs consultant Les Burdett to advise curators but does not dictate pitch types, encouraging surfaces that last at least four days with a fair bat-ball contest.
- The Perth wicket received a strong ICC rating, whereas the MCG surface was deemed unsatisfactory after 36 wickets fell, highlighting uneven recent outcomes.
- Roach emphasized preserving distinct venue characteristics as a competitive advantage, accepting that this approach carries occasional risk.