"If we don't have seam movement here at the MCG, we become very dull" - Curator breaks silence on two-day Ashes 2025-26 Test in Melbourne

Following the completion of the fourth Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) inside two days, curator Matt Page opened up on the result and the conditions. England won the game by four wickets.

Matt Page expressed that having no seam movement would have made the wicket dull, lifeless, and flat. He pointed out that removing a lot of grass would result in the surface being unresponsive, which would not be good for the players or spectators.

"If we don't have seam movement here at the MCG, we become very dull, very lifeless and very flat, which is no good for the players, no good for the spectators, and no good for the game," he told Cricbuzz.

Notably, the conditions at the MCG for the fourth Ashes 2025-26 Test were way too seam-friendly, with 20 wickets falling on the very first day. Page reflected that he was shocked by how the game panned out and hoped not be involved in such a result ever again.

"I was in a state of shock after the first day, to see everything that happened, 20 wickets in a day. I've never been involved in a Test match like it, and hopefully will never be involved in a Test match like it again," he said.

However, he also took accountability after the fourth Ashes 2025-26 Test ended inside two days. Page ensured to take lessons and grow from them in the future.

"We've produced a Test that's been captivating, but it hasn't gone long enough and we'll take ownership of that," he said. "We'll learn from it, we'll grow, and we'll make sure that we'll get it right next year."

This was only the seventh instance in history where an Ashes Test ended inside two days. It was also the fourth shortest Ashes Test completed (by balls).

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England avoid a whitewash with victory in the fourth Ashes 2025-26 Test

Meanwhile, England avoided a whitewash with their victory at the MCG. They had already lost the series and were 0-3 down heading into the fourth Test. Australia won the first two matches by eight wickets each and the third Test by 82 runs to clinch the series.

Bowling first at the MCG, England bowled the hosts out for 152 in the first innings. In reply, they were bundled out for just 110. However, their bowlers stood up once again, skittling Australia out for 132. Chasing 175, England got over the line in 32.2 overs with four wickets remaining.

The fifth and final Test will begin on Sunday, January 4, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). England will aim to carry the momentum and end the series with another victory.

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Edited by Rishab Vm