David Warner confirms players questioned Cricket Australia’s ‘bizarre process’ to switch first Test from Gabba to Perth
David Warner has explained the decision-making behind the change to Australia’s Test series schedule as questions ramp up about why the first Test has been taken away from Brisbane.
Traditionally the summer started at the Gabba, but that has changed to Perth over the last three years.
Last year, Australia had a shocking loss to India in the first Test and now the discussion has heightened after a terrible batting display against England.
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In the lead up to the first Test, Mitchell Starc said Cricket Australia bosses don’t listen to the players as he made clear that Brisbane is the preference for the opener.
David Warner. Getty
Former Australian cricketer David Warner spoke of his frustrations when going through the process.
“We did ask the question as to why we were leaving the Gabba (as the first Test of the summer),” Warner said on Fox Cricket.
“It was a weird one … at that time, the Australian group was addressed by the CA hierarchy saying that it’s win at all costs and we’re talking through this situation and we’ve got to win every game, then why are we moving away from the Gabba?
“It makes no sense telling us one thing and doing another, whether it’s revenue based, you’ve got to identify that the product is there to play cricket and win games for Australia.
“As a batsman, you’re playing there then going to the WACA, you can get two solid attempts before the opposition team get to settle on a length. Fast bowlers get to get into a nice rhythm on bouncy tracks and then you go down to Melbourne.
“It was a bizarre process and it was never really explained … not taking anything away from Perth, but it’s more about the tradition and the history and never losing at the Gabba. Why would you take it away?”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was more critical of Australia’s performance with the bat.
“Australia has to be honest with themselves … it has nothing to do with where they’ve started, they’ve just not played well enough and they’ve been blown away by pace,” he said.
Vaughan had also pointed out in the coverage that Australia has never lost a day/night Test at Adelaide but have lost in Brisbane. The pink ball Test this year is at the Gabba.
“As you know there’s always politics, I’m sure CA is doing favours somewhere,” Warner replied.
