Groundsman plays it cool in pitch ruck

MCG curator Cameron Hodgkins denies he was asked to prepare a different type of surface for the fourth Ashes Test as a response to Australia's thumping win in Perth.

A WACA pitch containing pace and bounce saw the hosts bowl England out for 187 and 123 to level the series - the tourists having made 1,137 for the loss of just six wickets across their previous two innings to take a 1-0 lead.

Much intrigue has since surrounded the nature of the drop-in pitch which will be used for the Boxing Day Test, Hodgkins having reportedly been asked to abandon his initial first choice in favour of a grassier and much livelier surface.

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