But intermittent rain in recent days has changed McDonald’s plans. Up to 5mm of rain is expected to fall on Thursday, the day before the match, but clear skies are expected through the Test match.
“Yesterday we had it (the pitch) under cover and pretty much a loss all day while we were getting ready,” McDonald told reporters in overcast weather on Wednesday morning. “We looked at the forecast early and started preparing a little earlier than usual.”
Perth’s wet weather this spring has been unusual. Western Australia’s famously warm capital is usually almost completely dry from November to April. But unexpected rain left McDonald unable to adjust.
“It was very condition-based,” he said. “Right now we’re leaning towards rolling it up a little more to get that sturdiness and that happy middle between the bat and the ball. (It) would be nice if the sun would pop out, but we’re really comfortable with the curating team.”
MacDonald said 8-10mm of turf would remain on the pitch, which he did not believe would deteriorate like last year’s surface.
“I don’t think the weather will bring this stadium down,” he said. “There will be some deterioration. The grass will stand up during the game and provide variable bounce. But in terms of the big snake WACA cracks, unfortunately I don’t think the weather will get us there.”
Hazlewood was almost unbeatable against Pakistan last year. He relentlessly targeted the cracks in the latter part of day four, taking 3 for 13 in 7.2 overs in the second innings. Pakistan won 89, Australia’s fourth win in as many Tests played at the 60,000-seat stadium.
“I love playing in Perth. The wicket is always good for the ball face. (It’s) bouncy and potentially a little bit cracked,” Hazlewood told reporters in the afternoon sunshine on Wednesday. “I think the conditions are right for us, maybe we’re just more used to that bounce and speed.”
“There are no real secrets behind those closed doors. We see them a lot, we play with them all the time (and) play against them,” Hazlewood said. “We will bowl in those areas, be patient, bat and try to outlast them.”
“When we won 2-0, there were only a few of us in the series…. Everyone was determined (to win this time). It’s something we need to check as a group.”
Josh Hazlewood in Australia’s last Test series win over India in 2014-15.
“I’m very happy that Puj isn’t here, he’s definitely someone who makes good use of time and makes sure he gets his wicket at every turn,” Hazlewood said.
“(But) the Indian team always has young, fresh players coming in, so there’s so much pressure to play with so many players chasing them all the time. Whoever they pick for the XI, they are unbelievable players. Whoever they play It doesn’t matter what you choose, they are all great players.”
“When we won 2-0, there were only a few of us in the series…. Everyone was really determined (to win this time),” he said. “It’s something we have to look at as a group. I think the added fact of a five-Test series will make it a bit more difficult. When you win a series against India, anywhere in the world you know you’ve earned it.”
Tristan Lavalette is a Perth-based journalist.
