Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg has openly stated that he is not a fan of shorter Test matches as they are “bad for business”.
Todd Greenberg, speaking during the fourth game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, shared his thoughts on the conclusion of the Ashes 2025-26 Test matches, which has seen complete dominance by the bowlers.
Cricket Australia (CA) is at risk of huge losses
The Ashes has always been highly anticipated and the ongoing 2025-26 series is no different. Even before the Ashes started, there was a lot of hype about England’s tour of Australia.
It was being said that the English team finally has a chance to defeat the so-called ‘weak Australian team’ at home, but the reality is completely different, as the host team has dominated.
One of the major reasons behind Australia’s dominance is their brilliant bowling performance, which helped them win the series by winning the first three matches in a row.
The bowlers are also getting a lot of help from the pitches, but Cricket Australia (CA) has also suffered huge losses due to this. The first Test in Perth finished within 2 days, and cost Cricket Australia (CA) AUD$5 million (US$3.3 million).
Cricket Australia is currently eyeing a huge loss as the Boxing Day Test is also going to end in two days. A total of 26 wickets fell in 102.1 overs at the MCG and the visiting team needed only 175 runs on the second day to win.
A simple phrase I would use is that shorter Tests are bad for business – Cricket Australia CEO
Todd Greenberg has said that shorter Test matches are mesmerizing and fascinating, but games should last longer. Speaking to SEN before the start of the second day, Greenberg was asked whether 20 wickets in a day were too many.
“In my opinion, the short answer is yes. As mesmerizing, fascinating and enjoyable as it was to watch as a fan, we want Test cricket to last longer obviously.
“I would use a simple phrase that short Tests are bad for business. I couldn’t be more clear than that. So I would like to see a slightly broader balance between bat and ball. I thought the ball was a bit favorable yesterday. There is some ownership of the batsmen in some of it, it’s not completely around the pitch, but we’ve got some challenges.”
Historically, we have taken a hands-on approach in all of our wicket preparations – Todd Greenberg
Todd Greenberg further indicated that Cricket Australia (CA) will start interfering in pitch preparation to ensure that matches last longer.
“Historically we have taken a pragmatic approach in all our wicket preparation and allowed the staff and conditions and those characteristics to present themselves. But when you see the impact on the game, especially commercially, it is difficult not to get more involved.
“I’m not suggesting we’re going to talk down to groundstaff, but we have to take a careful look at what our expectations are over the summer.”
Todd Greenberg was also not ashamed to admit that he lost sleep last night thinking about the loss to CA due to the early end of the fourth Test. He said:
“I didn’t sleep well last night, let’s put it this way. It was an amazing day of Test cricket, so the record number of people who were here had an experience. But our challenge is to make sure we can continue to deliver those experiences day in and day out. That’s the challenge for all of us.”
Also read: England captain criticizes MCG pitch after Boxing Day collapse, saying “It was a bit of an unfair match.”