Gooch 'frustrated' at Hobart weather playing spoilsport for England's Ashes preparations

England batting coach Graham Gooch has said it is frustrating that the weather in Hobart, where the tourists are playing against Australia A, have robbed the touring batsmen of time in the middle and put a block on bowlers ironing out their flaws.

Despite captain Alastair Cook and one-Test wonder Michael Carberry's efforts with the bat on the opening day, the rest of the side has had to do with gym sessions after days two and three of the game were washed out by rain, with Kevin Pietersen, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann just twiddling their thumbs.

According to News.com.au, Gooch said that it is a frustrating scenario as the batsmen are not getting time in the middle to wipe out their 'cobwebs' and the bowlers are not being able to iron out any little flaws in their run-ups and get their rhythm.

Fearing that cricketers may develop a malaise of 'sitting around' if they do not get enough cricket in Hobart, Gooch further said that it is a dangerous situation ahead of the Ashes given that they have just five playing days before the first Test at the Gabba.

Gooch also hinted that the rain may have harmed the chances of Carberry as the selectors were keen to look at Carberry as a possible opener in place of Joe Root by scrutinising his efforts at Hobart, saying that his selection has been complicated somewhat although the team selection is not finalised yet.