Following the stunning conclusion of the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) inside two days, Cricket Australia is grappling with an estimated $10 million (USD 6.7 million) revenue shortfall. The unexpected brevity of the match, a consequence of a controversial, bowler-friendly pitch, has forced the governing body to issue refunds for unused tickets and absorb losses from anticipated sales of merchandise, food, and beverages.

More than 90,000 fans were expected to attend the third day of the Test. The rapid conclusion of the match is only the fourth two-day Test ever played in Australia and the second in this series. The first test in Perth also concluded in two days.

In an effort to mitigate fan disappointment and public relations fallout, Cricket Australia has organized a first-of-its-kind fan event at the MCG on Sunday, December 28th. The Australian players, fresh off their defeat, will be compelled to attend the event in Yarra Park, interacting with fans, signing autographs, and posing for photos. Travis Head, an Australian player, said he was happy to give back to the fans who missed out.

The decision to hold the fan event comes after high-level discussions regarding a possible exhibition match were quickly shut down. While the fan event is intended to appease disgruntled fans, some have voiced their discontent on social media, with some fans suggesting that Cricket Australia should have organised another match.

The condition of the MCG pitch has faced heavy criticism, with England captain Ben Stokes and his Australian counterpart Steve Smith expressing their dissatisfaction. Stokes said that the pitch was not ideal, and Smith suggested reducing the grass on the pitch from 10mm to 8mm. Former England captain Michael Vaughan went further, calling the pitch "a joke". MCG head curator Matt Page said he was in "a state of shock". Page said that he was hoping to replicate the surface for the 2024 Test against India.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has acknowledged the financial blow and has indicated that the board will conduct an end-of-season review of Test wicket management. Greenberg had stated before the match that "short Tests are bad for business". The financial implications of the shortened Test extend beyond ticket refunds, impacting hospitality income, broadcast inventory, and sponsorship exposure.