“Play like Puji and Ajinkya Rahane” - Former India batter gives his assessment on controversial MCG pitch for 4th Ashes 2025-26 Test

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa reckoned that the controversial Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch for the fourth Ashes 2025-26 Test wasn’t impossible to bat, saying the venue is traditionally known to assist the pacers. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the batters needed the right application on the deck, adding that Indian players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane would have thrived on that surface and post at least 250.

Notably, as many as 36 wickets fell on Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test that finished within two days. The Aussies were bundled out for 152 and 132, while the Ben Stokes-led side replied with 110 and 178/6. None of the batters managed to score a half-century.

It was England’s first win in Australia after nearly 15 years. The four-wicket victory also helped them end their 18-match losing streak Down Under.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Robin Uthappa said:

“See, it’s a dichotomous situation. It’s not like it's an impossible wicket. There are such wickets in Melbourne which are very juicy for fast bowlers… I think it's because of the way cricket is played today. I feel like these pitches are unsporty, but if you’ve the right technique and the right mindset and the fight in you, you’ll be able to figure out a solution for this kind of a wicket also. It’s not a high-scoring game, but it’s not… It won’t be a 300-plus game, but even a 250 on this wicket is possible. You gotta fight it out. Play like Puji and Ajinkya Rahane. Definitely, you’ll score runs.”

Notably, Rahane and Pujara have played three Tests at MCG. They have smashed two centuries and one ton, respectively.

“Joe Root looked too lost in that Test match” – Robin Uthappa sums up the MCG pitch for the 4th Ashes Test

Robin Uthappa pointed out that a player like Joe Root, who has 40 Test tons, looked foxed in the fourth Ashes Test, particularly in the second Test. He called it an unfortunate moment in Test cricket.

The 40-year-old said in the same video:

“I am saying this with a grain of salt because the way we’re playing Test cricket has now changed. I don’t enjoy it a lot – like the Ashes Test matches that finished in two days. What are we doing to the sport for entertainment? Joe Root looked too lost in that Test match. He didn’t know how to play, play attacking cricket, or play his own way in the second innings. It was quite unfortunate… I empathize with them.”

Following extensive criticism by former players, the ICC rated the MCG pitch as ‘unsatisfactory.’ As a result, the venue received one demerit point. Earlier, the first Ashes Test in Perth was given a ‘very good’ rating despite finishing within two days.

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Edited by James Kuanal