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Former Aussie quick slams Gabba curator for 'underprepared' pitch

Former Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg has slammed Gabba pitch curator Kevin Mitchell for what he described as an 'underprepared' day one pitch.

Speaking on SEN's The Run Home, Hogg was livid at the lacklustre pitch that allowed England to ease to 4-196 at stumps after winning the toss.

"He should be taken away and locked up, Kevin Mitchell — it was like we presented England the start of the series," the 66-year-old said.

Hogg was furious with the pitch. Pic: Getty
Hogg was furious with the pitch. Pic: Getty

"How’s the wicket fellas? What do you want for afternoon tea? What do you want to drink after the game? We’re just the perfect hosts aren’t we?

"We’ve seen them cheat in England. We’ve seen a dry wicket at The Oval, a dry wicket at Lord’s and we saw two years ago at Edgbaston they turned out a green top so Jimmy Anderson could try and get some wickets against us and we turn up with this sort of wicket today?

"It was underprepared."

Meanwhile, national selector and Triple M commentator Mark Waugh described it as the flattest day one Gabba wicket he had ever seen.

While Australia will be looking for quick wickets early on day two armed with a new ball, Pat Cummins believed the deck won't resemble the Gabba of old until Saturday at the earliest.

Nathan Lyon inspects the Gabba pitch. Pic: Getty
Nathan Lyon inspects the Gabba pitch. Pic: Getty

"It was pretty soft and a bit slower than we thought," Cummins said.

"It got quicker that last session but I still think it will take another day or so to get back to the really quick Gabba that everyone is expecting.

"Gabba day one was a little bit softer, a little bit slower and it probably will be day two and three (Saturday).

"Hopefully it gets a bit quicker."

England No.3 James Vince struck a Test-high 83 on his Ashes debut, sharing a 125-run second-wicket stand with opener Mark Stoneman (53) on Thursday after the visitors were reeling at 1-2.

However, England were on a go-slow all day despite the less threatening Gabba conditions, much to Cummins' surprise.

"I thought the wicket out there was a bit English in that it was a bit slower and felt like some balls popped up," Cummins said.

"The wicket was a bit soft so they probably batted like they did back home, but yeah I was little bit surprised (by their go slow)."

Cummins may not believe the Gabba wicket will show life until the weekend but Vince believed Friday morning was the crucial session for the first Test.

"The morning is crucial for us," he said.

"If we get through the first hour we can edge our way to a big score.

"It will be interesting to see how they (Australia's three quicks) respond tomorrow with a few overs in their legs."