SCG Curator Provides First Update on Pitch for Fifth IND vs AUS Test: 'Trimmed to 7mm with Quality Roll'

Ahead of the New Year clash, SCG pitch curator Adam Lewis has shared updates on the pitch preparations. According to Lewis, the covers were removed from the pitch on Wednesday, and a 7mm grass has been trimmed. Heavy rolling is scheduled to take place on the surface in the upcoming days to ensure optimal playing conditions.

"So we're two days out now, getting to the final stages of the prep. We’ve taken the covers off this morning, given a cut of about 7mm and giving it a nice roll today, nice pressing. Really happy with where it’s at. Giving it a little flick of water, it's very hot in Sydney today, so we'll just keep the moisture there just at the top. And then tomorrow, we'll do a little bit more heavier rolling, take a little bit of the colour out, then we should be ready to go for the third (morning),” said Lewis in a video shared by the SCG’s official X handle.

India under pressure after MCG defeat

Meanwhile, Australia clinched a thrilling 184-run victory over India in the Melbourne Test and took a 2-1 lead in the series, which has put Rohit Sharma and Co. in a tricky spot for qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord's early next year. The hosts set a target of 340 runs to India at the start of Day 05 of the Melbourne Test. The visitors had the whole day but couldn't make it count as the fiery spells from the Aussie bowling attack bundled out India at 155 in the 80th over.

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