Premier Cricket 2025: Green Kardinia Park pitch questioned in Geelong-Footscray clash
Returning from a stint with the Aussie Test squad, Melbourne Renegades young gun Ollie Peake was greeted to a pitch that paled in comparison to those in Sri Lanka.
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Geelong has been forced to bat on a green top that resembled the outfield on its own home deck in what has been compared to a “bloody high school ground”.
In Ollie Peake’s Premier Cricket return after a stint with the Australian Test side in Sri Lanka, the Melbourne Renegades young gun was greeted to a Kardinia Park pitch which paled in comparison to those in Galle.
Footscray is closing in on victory in the two-day match after sending in Geelong and rolling the Cats for 145, with the visitors then making 3-85 in reply
The tricky wicket — maintained by the City of Greater Geelong Council – was met with bemusement from onlookers.
One spectator is overheard expressing their dismay on the Play Cricket stream, saying the pitch is, “Like a bloody high school ground”.
“It doesn’t look very good,” another replied.
Geelong played the first half of the Premier Cricket season away from Kardinia Park due to delayed centre wicket works from the council but it is understood this pitch is unrelated to that renewal.
Footscray opening bowler Ben Roosenboom took full advantage as he snared 5-26, which included the key wicket of Peake for 21.
Geelong cricket director Travis Agg said the returning Peake batted nicely in challenging circumstances.
“It was good to have him back and he was looking really good. Batted through that middle session where the ball was seaming,” Agg said.
“When it starts to firm up, it seamed. It was a bit two-paced and he obviously got one that seamed and found the edge. But he batted really well up until that point.”
Originally published as Premier Cricket 2025: Green Kardinia Park pitch questioned in Geelong-Footscray clash
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