AUSTRALIA’S build-up to Thursday’s first Test against New Zealand has taken a bizarre twist after spearhead Mitchell Johnson expressed his anger at the quality of the Gabba’s training facilities.
Just days after the tour-match pitch farce at Blacktown, the state of the Gabba’s nets came under fire when Johnson was forced to prematurely pull the pin at training.
Australia’s premier quick bowled for just 10 minutes before complaining the Brisbane nets could not accommodate his long run-up.
Looking visibly frustrated, Johnson sent down a few deliveries off a shortened run before screaming loudly at one point as he struggled to find his rhythm.
The 34-year-old was so annoyed he left the session early, sparking fears he had suffered an injury on the eve of the opening Test of the summer.
It later emerged Johnson’s only grievance was with the training facilities, prompting Australian assistant coach Craig McDermott to drive him across town to Allan Border Field to continue bowling.
Fellow quick Mitchell Starc later confirmed Johnson’s displeasure with the Gabba nets as the veteran of 306 Test scalps ramps-up his preparation for the Black Caps showdown.
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“The nets aren’t long enough for a few of us,” Starc said.
“I was batting at the time when he was meant to bowl, so he’ll be fine I’m sure.
“Out in the nets it’s too short, that’s why I came out into the middle (of the Gabba) to bowl a few off my full run.
“There’s a few places around the world which are a bit frustrating with the lengths of the run-ups, but it’s the things we deal with and we’ll be fine come Thursday.
“My run up is 22.8 metres and the run-up (in the Gabba nets) isn’t 22.8m. I’m not sure how long it is. Most of us use the tape measure these days so it’s pretty spot on.”
The Johnson development is the latest episode involving the Gabba nets.
Last summer, India’s touring team complained about the state of the training facilities, claiming the practice wickets were not up to standard.
Source- http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia-v-new-zealand-test-series-gabba-facilities-slammed-as-mitchell-johnson-blows-up/story-e6frf3g3-1227593180798
Just days after the tour-match pitch farce at Blacktown, the state of the Gabba’s nets came under fire when Johnson was forced to prematurely pull the pin at training.
Australia’s premier quick bowled for just 10 minutes before complaining the Brisbane nets could not accommodate his long run-up.
Looking visibly frustrated, Johnson sent down a few deliveries off a shortened run before screaming loudly at one point as he struggled to find his rhythm.
The 34-year-old was so annoyed he left the session early, sparking fears he had suffered an injury on the eve of the opening Test of the summer.
It later emerged Johnson’s only grievance was with the training facilities, prompting Australian assistant coach Craig McDermott to drive him across town to Allan Border Field to continue bowling.
Fellow quick Mitchell Starc later confirmed Johnson’s displeasure with the Gabba nets as the veteran of 306 Test scalps ramps-up his preparation for the Black Caps showdown.
IMMATURE DIG: Smith hits back at McCullum
LEADERS OF MEN: Smith and Warner tasked with rebuilding Test side
GABBA TEST: Dropping Marsh down order was ‘given thought’
RED-HOT FORM: Lehmann warns Kiwis to be wary of Starc
ULTIMATE GUIDE: What you need to know about the New Zealand series
“The nets aren’t long enough for a few of us,” Starc said.
“I was batting at the time when he was meant to bowl, so he’ll be fine I’m sure.
“Out in the nets it’s too short, that’s why I came out into the middle (of the Gabba) to bowl a few off my full run.
“There’s a few places around the world which are a bit frustrating with the lengths of the run-ups, but it’s the things we deal with and we’ll be fine come Thursday.
“My run up is 22.8 metres and the run-up (in the Gabba nets) isn’t 22.8m. I’m not sure how long it is. Most of us use the tape measure these days so it’s pretty spot on.”
The Johnson development is the latest episode involving the Gabba nets.
Last summer, India’s touring team complained about the state of the training facilities, claiming the practice wickets were not up to standard.
Source- http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia-v-new-zealand-test-series-gabba-facilities-slammed-as-mitchell-johnson-blows-up/story-e6frf3g3-1227593180798
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