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Former greenkeeper Nathan Lyon would have more sympathy for the MCG ground staff than most players, and is confident the Boxing Day wicket won't be an issue.

If anyone knows how the under-the-pump MCG ground staff are feeling right now, it's Nathan Lyon.

Melbourne is set to face its biggest test before next week's Boxing Day Test even begins, proving it can provide a wicket fit for summer's marquee event.

Last week's abandoned Sheffield Shield match at the ground heaped more pressure on curator Matt Page and a pitch that has so often been criticised in recent years for being too batter-friendly.

Lyon, of course, knows a thing or two about preparing pitches.

He was a greenkeeper by trade before he made his Test debut at age 23, working at Canberra's Manuka Oval and later heading to the Adelaide Oval.

"I'm always going to be on the curator's side," Lyon said.

"I'm confident there's going to be a good wicket there. Confident that there will be a contest between bat and ball.

"No doubt he's probably had a few sleepless nights from the last week, but well prepared for a great wicket there hopefully."

There is a sense from curators around the country that everyone from former players to pundits are too harsh to judge pitches.

Last summer alone, there was criticism of the SCG and MCG, while Australian players questioned why the wickets weren't quicker and bouncier against India.

Perth's wicket for the opening Test against New Zealand was highly praised, as it offered great carry and produced an even contest with scorching temperatures for all four days.

The MCG though will face more scrutiny regardless.

Its wickets had improved in the first two Shield games this summer, but the abandoned match has prompted fears that officials could overcorrect it to the extend it again becomes too placid.

Melbourne Cricket Club boss Stuart Fox has already moved to reassure fans that won't be the case, while Cricket Australia have also made contact with New Zealand to say they have no concerns.

Regardless, it could mean more work for Lyon with no allrounder set to be on hand and wickets likely hard to come by.

"It's a challenge for me and I love challenges," Lyon said.

"The workload doesn't effect or worry me at all. I love bowling and want the ball in my hand every opportunity I get.

"From all reports it's been a contest between bat and ball (in Melbourne this summer).

"I'm looking forward to getting to the MCG and seeing what they're producing."