Kevin Pietersen was left angry and frustrated at being unable to use the Adelaide Oval nets two days before the start of the second Test.
England had to practise indoors because of rainwater on the outside nets, much to the annoyance of their star batsman, who appeared to blame groundstaff for failing to cover the nets as soon as it began to rain.
Pietersen, who missed out on a second innings in the drawn first Test in Brisbane, wrote on Twitter: “What should a groundsmen [sic] make sure he does 2days out from a test match????”
Minutes later, he provided the answer himself – and an apparent comment on the situation.
“Cover the nets when it rains maybe??? PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Priority
A spokesman for the South Australia Cricket Association explained the nets were uncovered for only a matter of a few minutes – “not even 10” – and that groundsman Damian Hough’s staff had to prioritise protecting the Test match pitch first, once the rain began to fall.
An England spokesman played down the issue, saying: “It is frustrating when we can’t practise outdoors. We hope we can tomorrow.”
Australia were able to use the outdoor nets on Wednesday morning, when there were just two light showers. More persistent rain arrived, as forecast, at lunchtime – and wiped out England’s planned afternoon practice outside.
