The Grade Cricketer Are we being punished by a benevolent God? With Barney Ronay
Dec 29, 2025
Barney Ronay, Chief Sports Writer for The Guardian and cricket commentator, dives deep into the controversies surrounding the MCG pitch during the Ashes. He explores the public backlash over the two-day Test and defends the curator’s decisions. The conversation shifts to England's strategic win and the debates about Bazball and its impact on modern batting. Barney also reflects on the evolving dynamics of Test cricket, highlighting economic forces shaping the game and the cultural shifts within the England squad.
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Instant Outrage Masks Deeper Causes
- The hosts say many fans default to declaring everything "shit" when cricket disappoints, reflecting broader online negativity.
- That reflex masks nuanced causes like pitch conditions, technique, and broader structural changes in the game.
Weather And Overcorrection Shaped The MCG Pitch
- Curator Matt Page explained weather-driven pitch choices that left more grass to hedge for hot days later in the match.
- Hosts argue extreme weather and overcorrection created a surface that altered contest balance and fan expectations.
Don't Blame The Groundsman Alone
- The MCG result reflected both pitch behaviour and technical/mental lapses by batsmen rather than a single cause.
- Barney Ronay cautions against turning the groundsman into a scapegoat for wider issues in cricket.