The fourth Test will be the first Test of the series not to be played on a drop-in pitch. And curator Justin Groves has been a busy man, moving around the ground, answering questions.
Even as Australia sought to maintain its proud unbeaten record in a home Test series against India, Groves, who was under increasing pressure from former Aussie Test stars to prepare a surface that offered help to the seamers, believed he had made a pitch that had something in it for everyone.
But then, the pitches at the SCG, lately, have either helped the spinners or been flat as it was in India’s tour game ahead of the ongoing series.
Groves said, “There will be a green tinge on days one and two. The pitch will start turning late in the game and become unpredictable as the game progresses. I am really happy with it. There will be some surprises.”
He added, “It’s been hot and humid here. So we’ve got enough moisture in the pitch to make it last five days and produce a fair contest.”
Australia’s strength is pace and skipper Tim Paine had made it clear he wanted a seaming track with bounce. At the SCG, he is unlikely to have his wish fulfilled.