The Ashes: MCG pitch curator was in 'state of shock' and vows to learn after two-day Test between Australia and England

Melbourne Cricket Ground curator Matthew Page was in a "state of shock" during a Boxing Day Ashes Test at the venue which lasted just two days and has vowed to "get it right next year".

On a surface boasting 10mm of grass, 36 wickets fell across 142 overs with neither England or Australia passing 200 and the highest individual score across both teams the 46 hit by home opener Travis Head in his side's second innings.

The early finish is projected to cost Cricket Australia in the region of £5millon with that organisation's CEO Todd Greenberg saying after a 20-wicket opening day that short Tests are "bad for business".

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Page said: "We're obviously really disappointed that it's gone for two days. I was in a state of shock after the first day.

"To see everything that happened and 20 wickets in a day, I've never been involved in a Test match like it and hopefully will never be involved in a Test match like it again.

"It was a rollercoaster ride for two days, to see everything unfold. A lot of the noise is obviously outside.

"I personally don't read papers, I don't watch the news - but we know that this hasn't gone as we had planned."

Page was hired in the aftermath of the bore draw in the 2017/18 Ashes Test at the MCG when England opener Sir Alastair Cook made 244 not out after batting for over 10 hours on a lifeless surface.