India unhappy with Gabba practice wicket

A “net-gate” controversy erupted at the second Test after India sensationally blamed the Gabba’s practice wickets for player injuries that created team unrest before their day four capitulation against Australia.

India officials were fuming on Saturday morning after stars Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli were struck batting in the outside nets on “worn out” wickets before day four’s play.

Dhawan’s right wrist was injured, ensuring he did not resume his knock of 26 when play started on Saturday.

Kohli – nursing a sore forearm – was forced to replace Dhawan and walk out to bat with Cheteshwar Pujara.

Indian captain MS Dhoni later claimed the incident created “unrest” in the dressing room before his side collapsed in the morning session at one stage losing 4-11, setting up Australia’s four-wicket win that sealed a 2-0 series lead.

“He (Dhawan) was a bit uncomfortable, but by the time we came back (from practice) to the dressing room, it was quite close to the start of play,” Dhoni said.

“We could only give five to 10 minutes notice to Virat to go on.

“In that scenario there is a bit of unrest.”

Asked about the practice facilities, Dhoni said: “The wicket was not good for practice, I found it to be a bit uneven.”

But he added: “I don’t want to create a controversy”.

However the Indian team raised eyebrows when they released a statement directly holding the net wickets responsible for the injuries.

“The Indian team has been asking for the fresh net practice wickets several times for last two days which have not been provided,” it said.

“Instead of that they have (been) asked to practice on worn out wickets which have uneven bounce.

“Because of that two of our batsmen got injured today.”

Asked if he had a problem with the Gabba practice pitches, Australian captain Steve Smith said: “No, they were fine.”

Queensland curator Kev Mitchell said he had never had a complaint from a touring team in the past about net wickets.

“They mirror the exact state of the Test pitch in the middle,” he said.

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