The MCG pitch has been slammed by several greats of the game after 20 wickets fell on a chaotic Boxing Day.
Australia start day two 0/4 with a lead of 46 runs with Travis Head to face his first ball of the innings to start the day and he is joined by nightwatchman Scott Boland at the crease.
Life is not expecting to get a lot easier for batters on Saturday after the 10 millimetres of grass left on the surface had the ball nipping around substantially on day one.
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But former Australian batter Mark Waugh believes this will not be a repeat of the series opener and wrap up inside two days.
“I don’t think they’ll bat as badly as England batted in the third innings in Perth,” Waugh told foxsports.com.au.
“I’d be surprised if Australia batted as poorly in the second innings. I think they’ll see the conditions.
“I think they batted a bit loosely. They batted like they were 3-0 up to be honest.
“I know the pitch was tough, but I still think Australia can bat batter than that.
“Just a few loose shots.”
SCENES: Boland faces the final over! | 06:48
How long Boland can stick around for may be indicative of how the surfaces play this morning.
In an interview post play with Triple M, the hometown hero laughed off suggestions of replicating Jason Gillespie’s famous 201 not out as a nightwatchman against Bangladesh.
If former England captain Alastair Cook’s words ring true, 201 will be a formidable target to set the visitors.
“The bowlers didn’t have to work hard for their wickets. It was an unfair contest,” Cook said after play on day one.
“I don’t know how you hit it.
“If this flattens out tomorrow then fine, it’s an even contest over three or four days.
“But I don’t think this is particularly even.”
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