Will the so-called ‘big’ Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) really make a difference in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final?

A lot has been said, written, documented, and joked about Melbourne Cricket Ground’s (MCG) size and why New Zealand may find it difficult to adjust to it in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final on Sunday. Yes, the dimensions are bigger than that of the stadiums in New Zealand but will it really make that much of a difference? Nikhil Popat tries to decipher the query.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), famously called the G’ has been in talks over the last few days. When New Zealand qualified for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final, which is to be held here, a lot of jokes went around, especially on social media, about the size of the ground and how it will hinder the Black Caps from getting their maiden World Cup trophy. Well, there are a few statistics which may prove that that the so called ‘G’ might not be that of a hindrance for the BlackCaps. New Zealand train hard ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final

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1.       Most boundaries at any ground in ICC World Cup 2015 (Minimum four matches played)

There is no rule that one needs to hit sixes to score runs, isn’t it? MCG holds the record for the most fours hit at any ground in this ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, so the message is even clear, no need to go in the air, just find the gaps, New Zealand. Australia (AUS) vs New Zealand (NZ), World Cup 2015 Final, Preview: Trans-Tasman rivalry unfolds

2.       Average strike rate across venues in the ICC World Cup 2015 (Minimum four matches played)

The above table illustrates the point that there is not much of a difference in strike rate of a batsman when they have played at the grounds in New Zealand, when compared to the numbers at MCG. Bigger the stadium, more the gaps and more chances of running and getting runs easily without needless lofts. Australia vs New Zealand 2015 World Cup final: Indian cricket fans to support Blackcaps

3.       Average scores in an inning across venues in the ICC World Cup 2015 (Minimum four matches played)

Interestingly, despite all the talks of low grounds and high scores, average score in an innings are higher at two so-called ‘big’ grounds. Both Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and MCG have had higher scores at the venue than the smaller grounds in New Zealand have had so far in the mega event. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final could be the last match I see, says Martin Crowe      

4.       Average scores in boundaries across venues in the ICC World Cup 2015 (Minimum four matches played)

New Zealand have often been accused of trying to score runs just in boundaries but the table above shows the bigger grounds have not quite made that much of a difference in terms of runs scored in boundaries. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage

Yes, the ground conditions may differ, but the stats for now from this World Cup do not back the argument that New Zealand are going to find it very difficult to adjust to the ‘big’ MCG! Matthew Hayden slammed by New Zealand fans over MCG jibe

(Nikhil Popat is a cricket lover and a PotterHead, who loves to be himself. He can be followed on Twitter @CricCrazyNIKS)