Heeding the lessons of a chaotic 17-wicket opening day last year, WACA curator Isaac McDonald has tweaked his preparation for the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium.
Australia's quicks, then India star Jasprit Bumrah, ran riot in a bowler-friendly start to the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy battle.
But by the end of day two, the pitch was suiting batsmen as India piled on runs to set up a commanding 295-run win.
The traditional pace and bounce of WA Tests will still be present, but it would be a shock to see so many wickets tumble on Friday.
"The curator, no matter what the outcome of the game, always reflects," McDonald said on Wednesday.
"On reflection there, maybe I was a day late on the prep.
"We've knuckled down, and we've started a day early to ensure that firmness is there, and

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