Ashes 5th Test: SCG Curator Adam Lewis Unfazed By Scrutiny Post Melbourne Disaster, Focuses On Crafting Memorable Pitch

Ashes 5th Test: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Curator Adam Lewis shrugged off the pressure talk of preparing the pitch for the fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England, despite the heightened scrutiny after the 4th match finished in two days at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The SCG will be under heavy scrutiny after the MCG surface for the Boxing Day Test was deemed 'Unsatisfactory', with the venue handed one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. The 4th Test between England and Australia was ended in just two days.

Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees delivered the verdict, explaining that the MCG pitch was bowlers' paradise as the 20 wickets fell on the first day.

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“The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day, and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was ‘Unsatisfactory’ as per the guidelines, and the venue gets one demerit point," Crowe said in a statement by ICC.

Lewis admitted to pre-match nerves, but aims to produce a surface that will help the fans enjoy a full five-day contest.

"We took our learnings from last year. Maybe a bit too much in it on day one. We always get nervous this time of year. This is our grand final. We work months leading up to our Test preparation," Lewis told reporters on Friday.

Lewis said his team remains attentive to produce a thrilling five-day affair and they are not paying attention to the headlines.

"We're just excited to get there. The only thing we can't control is the weather. We're just trying to prepare a pitch that's a great balance for bat and ball," he said.

There are many photos making rounds on social media with the SCG pitch visibly green. When asked about whether the green top will heavily favour the bowlers, Lewis played down the fear.

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"They're saying [there will be] a bit more sun tomorrow, so that will take the green out of the pitch. We're really happy with the pitch at the moment. You want to see a green tinge three days out. If you're not seeing any live grass three days out, there is an issue. I'm really comfortable where we're sitting," he added.

"To be totally honest with you, I don't listen to the media. I haven't read the papers. I try and steer clear of all that. I'm a real positive person. I've got to keep my team positive. I'm just trying to make it as enjoyable for the guys as possible. We want it to be a five-day Test," Lewis said.