Justin Langer was shocked to see "the fastest pitch I've ever seen in Perth" described as average by the match referee, a contentious grading that has ignited global debate on the future of Test cricket and what constitutes a good deck.
AAP revealed on Friday that match referee Ranjan Madugalle rated the second-Test pitch as average.
It is the lowest possible mark available that does not result in a venue being issued with demerit points under the International Cricket Council's new system, which has the power to bar venues from hosting international cricket if they accumulate enough points.
It is the lowest mark given to an Australian Test pitch apart from last year's docile MCG strip that was graded poor by Madugalle.
"I was really surprised," Australia coach Langer told reporters.
"That was the fastest pitch I've ever seen in Perth and I've been there a long time.
"I guess a couple stayed low but I thought it was such entertaining Test cricket.
"It was really exciting Test cricket, got a result on the fifth day. From a personal point of view I love seeing cricket played like that."
The West Australian, who forged a reputation for stoically seeing off the new ball in a 105-Test career at the top of the order, isn't alone.
Legends Sachin Tendulkar, Michael Vaughan, Shane Warne and Mitchell Johnson have all criticised the average rating.
Langer suggested the quality of pitches, a topic that has dominated the build up to the Boxing Day Test, is important as it ultimately shapes the health of the sport.
"If you get great pitches you'll have a contest between bat and ball, then Test cricket will be alive and well," he said.
"If we play on flat wickets then it becomes a really boring game, and that's from someone who loves Test cricket.
"Hopefully it's a contest between bat and ball (in Melbourne) because it's really important, not just for this series but also for world cricket."
