Oz cricket WAGs won't back down over Ashes tour controversy

Melbourne, July 5 (ANI): Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson's fiancee has hit back at the controversy surrounding the inclusion of WAGs in Ashes Tour.

Jessica Bratich, who recently got engaged to Johnson and is also a karate champ, branded the controversy 'ridiculous'.

"The boys are away four and a half months," News.com.au quoted Bratich as saying.

"Mitch goes from there straight to South Africa so they're actually away for six months.

"I think it's a bit ridiculous to think we're not going to go over there and support them," she added.

Model Lara Bingle was also seen defying the critics who had said that they should stay at home, as she joined fiance Michael Clarke for an evening stroll from the team hotel to nearby Italian restaurant Little Venice.

Cricket Australia is supporting partners and children attending the first two Tests, attracting criticism from some former players.

Australian Test star Michael Slater had said he believed the WAGs would be a distraction.

He also had slammed Cricket Australia for inviting WAGs to the Ashes planning camp at Coolum in Queensland.

"In terms of the preparation, when you're coming up with your strategy you don't need the partners there," he said at the time.

Bratich said: "Mitch likes having me there. I enjoy watching the games and it's always nice to have someone to come home to after a game.

"What everyone else says is irrelevant really.

"Cricket Australia are supporting us as well. So I think that's important - they're encouraging family life." (ANI)