New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan is the latest notable cricket figure to raise an eyebrow at the pitches used during the trans-Tasman Test series.
In one sense, McMillan couldn't have been happier with the way star charges Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson piled on the runs at the WACAduring NZ's first-innings total of 624.
But in another, McMillan wanted a genuine contest between bat and ball so the 39-year-old was surprised at how flat the Perth wicket was.
"To a degree, yes," he said, having played a Test at the venue in 2001.
"On previous tours of Australia there's certainly been a little bit more there for the bowlers at different stages.
"Historically Adelaide has generally been pretty flat and at times hasn't turned," McMillian said.
"But I wouldn't be surprised to maybe see more grass and even a hint of green grass on the surface.
"It could well be more challenging in the first innings if there is more grass on it."
NZ have had a poor run with pitches ever since they landed in Australia.
Manuka Oval was a belter of a batting wicket, while the crumbling Blacktown deck was deemed too dangerous to play on after a 503-run stand between Ryan Carters and Aaron Finch. The WACA pitch used for this weekend's pink-ball tour game against Western Australia should have no such issues.
"Hopefully it'll be hard and a little bit quicker than we saw in the Test," WA assistant coach Adam Griffith said.
"Under lights the conditions change a fair bit anyway, so there should be a bit in it there for the bowlers."
Griffith leapt to the defence of WACA curator Matthew Page following widespread criticism after the drawn second Test.
"He's a very good groundsman and we've got full faith in what he does," Griffith said. "He's been excellent over the last couple of years."
