The turf at Optus Stadium has come under fire once again following injuries to Lockie Ferguson (calf) and Josh Hazlewood (hamstring) in the Perth test.
The injuries leave both New Zealand and Australia without a bowler in the sweltering 40 degree conditions and experts have queried whether the surface at the venue had anything to do with causing them.
Optus Stadium had its issues during the AFL season with West Coast and Fremantle players suffering leg or ankle injuries across the year. The Eagles in particular lost 10 players to ankle injuries in 2019 at the ground.
SEN’s David King even stated that it should be known as “Syndesmosis Stadium” given the reputation the venue was quickly developing.
However, Aussie quick Mitchell Starc isn’t having any issues running in on the Optus Stadium turf.
“It is interesting hearing that. I think hearing from the footy side there’s been a few soft tissue injuries over the couple of years here as well,” Starc told SEN Test Cricket.
“The ground actually feels alright. I think in the T20 earlier in the summer it was quite damp so I think they might have put a fair bit of moisture into it so it doesn’t feel too bad running in on it.
“I think the surface is really nice to run in on.”
WACA CEO Christina Matthews said they have not received any complaints regarding the surface of the ground as yet.
“No. No issues (with the turf). I don’t think the injuries to the pace bowlers are anything to do with the grounds and that certainly hasn’t been conveyed. Usually you hear a murmur that’s the case, but I’ve heard nothing,” she told SEN Test Cricket.
“I spoke to Justin (Langer) this morning and he didn’t indicate anything. He’s been nothing but complimentary about the surface.”
Starc said the team will rally around the injured Hazlewood, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the test.
“He’s obviously disappointed. We are for him as well. It’s never nice seeing anyone go down injured, especially one of your best mates,” he said.
“He’ll be around us for the week. I’d doubt that he’ll take part in things for the rest of the week unfortunately so sad news for him and hopefully the recovery is a quick one.”
He adds that having New Zealand five wickets down overnight is a blessing given they’re without Hazlewood.
“It’s never easy when you go a bowler down, especially when you’ve only got a four-man attack with a few batters that think they can bowl too,” Starc said.
“It does make it a bit tougher, but to have them five down overnight in the first innings is a big plus for us. Hopefully we can get one or two in the first session and hopefully run through them and get out there batting in the heat.”
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