ICC puts MCG curator on notice with 'unsatisfactory' rating for Boxing Day pitch

Boxing Day Test match referee Jeff Crowe has rated the MCG pitch "unsatisfactory" after a two-day disaster between Australia and England.

Overall in the fourth Ashes Test, 36 wickets fell across both days with England claiming victory.

Curator Matt Page faced the media after the Test was completed and said he was in a "state of shock" watching it all unfold.

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The MCG pitch had 10 millimetres of grass, as opposed to the seven millimetres last year, which led to a five-day Test.

Crowe judged the pitch was "too much in favour of the bowlers".

"With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was 'unsatisfactory' as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point," Crowe said in an ICC statement.

The MCG pitch managed to avoid a worse rating of "unfit", which would have brought three demerit points.

If a venue accumulates six demerit points it will be suspended from hosting an international cricket game for 12 months. If 12 demerit points is reached then the suspension lengthens to 24 months.

An unsatisfactory rating from the ICC refers to a pitch that "does not allow an even contest between bat and ball ... by favouring the bowlers too much, with too many wicket-taking opportunities for either seam or spin".

The rating is a stark contrast to Perth, which was rated "very good" despite a two-day Test there as well.

Crowe's decision came only hours after Australia coach Andrew McDonald defended Page, saying "he does an outstanding job".

"Sometimes these things can happen, but we support him in what he's done and really proud of the evolution of the MCG," he said.

"Hopefully people can have some context around where he's been on the journey and support him for the next challenge that he faces."

The last three Boxing Day pitches have been given a "very good" rating.