India blame poor practice wickets for injuries

Brisbane, Dec 20 (IANS) The Indian cricket team Saturday blamed the poor quality of practice pitches at the Gabba for the injury to opener Shikhar Dhawan, which was instrumental in India's four-wicket defeat here.

India are unhappy they were not allowed to use a fresh strip and were made to practice on "worn-out wickets" with "uneven bounce" despite asking Queensland Cricket "several times" for fresh practice pitches during the last two days.

Dhawan injured his right wrist and Virat Kohli was struck on the forearm. Dhawan could not resume his innings when play resumed Saturday and retired hurt to be replaced by Kohli.

"The Indian team has been asking for the fresh net practice wickets several times for last two days but our request has not been met," a BCCI statement said.

"We have been asked to practice on worn out wickets with uneven bounce, because of which two of our batsmen have injured themselves today morning."

The Indians, rattle by the blow to Dhawan, suffered a spectacular batting collapse, losing 4-11 in 20 balls after Mitchell Johnson ran havoc with three wickets.

The rapid rate at which India crumbled prevented Dhawan from having X-rays on his wrist and returned to the crease with India on 117 for six.

"One of the two batsmen, Shikar Dhawan - who was one of the overnight batsmen on the fourth morning of the Test - had a right wrist injury due to which he was unable to bat in the morning."