Pietersen rants after having to go indoors

KEVIN PIETERSEN made his anger clear to thousands when he was unable to practice batting outside because of rainwater on the Adelaide Oval nets.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Dec 2010, 09:42 BST

Updated 2nd Dec 2010, 09:46 BST

Pietersen appeared to blame groundstaff for failing to cover the nets as soon as it began to rain.

England had to practice indoors, in preparation for the start of the second Ashes Test.

Pietersen asked his followers on Twitter: "What should a groundsman make sure he does two days 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

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 once the rain began to fall.

An England spokesman confirmed the tourists are not seeking to blame anyone or make any complaints.

Australia were able to use the outdoor nets in the morning, when there were just two light showers.