BBL boss Alistair Dobson says MCG move not answer to Marvel Stadium surface issue

Former Melbourne Renegades captain Aaron Finch has questioned how serious Marvel Stadium is about cricket and offered an alternate venue the franchise should consider making its home.

BBL boss Alistair Dobson has ruled out shifting Melbourne Renegades to the MCG after the condition of Marvel Stadium’s playing surface came under fire during the club’s BBL clash with Perth Scorchers.

Former Australian and BBL coach Darren Lehmann described state of the ground as “very, very bad”, while Lisa Sthalekar said it was an “absolute joke” and “embarrassing to have a professional T20 competition even on it.”

Marvel Stadium has hosted four major concerts in recent months and the RMIT University graduation on December 18, leaving the ground in such a state that Renegades captain Will Sutherland conceded players were warned not to slide while fielding.

Dobson said the Stars and Renegades sharing the MCG was not the answer.

“I definitely think a point of difference is important. We’ve got two clubs in Melbourne that have different identities and different fan bases and different histories,” Dobson told SEN.

“The Melbourne Stars are iconic to the MCG and the Melbourne Renegades are really keen to have a point of difference on that.

“I don’t think pushing more games to the MCG is necessarily the right thing for Melbourne Renegades or the competition.

“I don’t see a future where (the Renegades) are playing … more games at the MCG.”

Ex-Renegades captain Aaron Finch, the franchise’s all-time leading run scorer, described Marvel’s surface as “shocking”.

“It’s not ideal for Cricket Australia trying to market a world-class T20 tournament,” he said on the Around the Wicket podcast.

“There has to be questions about, ‘are Marvel Stadium serious about hosting cricket?’

“Each and every year the first couple of games the same thing happens — there’s always some issues there.

“If they’re not interested in hosting cricket, take it somewhere else, take it to Geelong.”

Former BBL star Ben Dunk joined the chorus of criticism, tweeting: “The BBL deserves facilities that highlight the players skill, and allow franchises to entertain their fans. There are a few around the country that aren’t up to standard.”

Fergus O’Neill was one of the bowlers who cashed in on tough batting conditions.

Dobson said delaying Marvel Stadium games until after Christmas would be a “consideration” in future seasons.

“Last night will give us cause to reflect on that and whether we can schedule that in a different way going forward,” he said.

Bad , very bad mate https://t.co/Ws4uN9cCtc

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) December 23, 2024

The BBL deserves facilities that highlight the players skill, and allow franchises to entertain their fans. There are a few around the country that aren’t up to standard! #BBL14

— ben dunk (@bendunk51) December 23, 2024

Absolute joke. Embarrassing to have a professional T20 competition even on it!! https://t.co/WR3CjcY46K

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) December 23, 2024

He said BBL bosses expected the surface would “significantly improve” in time for Melbourne Renegades next match on January 2.

“They are a multipurpose venue and that comes with trade offs for us. By and large they present good outfields and good wickets. Particularly as we get further into the season,” he said.

“We don’t expect to make the size of the trade off we made last night. But that’s part and parcel of playing in multipurpose venues.”

The Stars play three home games at the MCG this season, the same number the Renegades will host at Marvel.

Renegades batter Laurie Evans told SEN: “The outfield didn’t really play a part to be honest. It didn’t look great, but it played fine. It was a bit slow in parts, but it still produced a decent game of cricket.”

The Renegades prevailed by two wickets after Cooper Connolly’s 66 from 50 balls helped Perth rally from 4-35 to post 8-143.

Originally published as BBL boss Alistair Dobson says MCG move not answer to Marvel Stadium surface issue