India can expect “good pace, bounce, and carry,” says head curator Isaac McDonald. Coming from slow, dusty pitches at home, India will face an intense introduction to Australian conditions on a Perth pitch reminiscent of the iconic WACA ground. The Optus Stadium’s pitch, prepared since September, uses the same local clay and grass as the WACA, known for its fast and lively surface.
The first Test on November 22 will be the fifth Test match played at the 60,000-capacity stadium, which hasn’t yet fully captured the West Australian fan base. However, with the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener, there is hope that the pitch’s speed and bounce will draw fans in.
Recalling last year’s high-pressure test with Australia and Pakistan, McDonald explains that 10 millimeters of grass helped maintain conditions and added speed to the pitch. He hopes for similar results this year, with fast bowling attacks from both teams. Last year, uneven bounce made it challenging, as seen when the pitch turned unpredictable on day four, with cracks leading to unexpected bounces and low balls.
Spring in Perth has been cooler this year, and the Test is nearly a month earlier than last year’s scorching match against Pakistan. McDonald plans a different strip from the recent ODI pitch, which was fast and bouncy but manageable. Balancing moisture levels and rolling is key to creating an ideal Test pitch, and he hopes the match reaches day five or the final session of day four.
This will be McDonald’s third Test in charge, and while the spotlight is intense—especially with Perth’s long-standing reputation for fiery pitches—he’s finding his footing. Reflecting on his learning curve since his first Test, he appreciates the unique challenges of creating a pitch worthy of Test cricket. “It’s good to have people excited and talking about the pitch,” he says, looking forward to maintaining Perth’s renowned cricketing legacy.