Brisbane Cricket Ground
Brisbane Cricket Ground, traditionally the curtain raiser for all Ashes tours, everyone knows the ‘first morning in Brisbane’ sets the scene. Will the Baggie Greens crumble again or have we hyped ourselves up too much?
Famed for its fast, bouncy pitch, Brisbane Cricket Ground used to be chastised for its poor amenities and unwelcoming surroundings. However recent upgrades and renovations have turned the Gabba into a mini Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The gigantic grandstand corrals the sound, making it one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams. The first test here is also regularly sold out as the excitement builds for the pitched battles which lie ahead. Why is Brisbane Cricket Ground called the Gabba? True to all things Aussie, it’s a colloquialism. The ground was built on land at Woolloongabba – which, let’s face it, is a bit of a mouthful.
Greatest Ashes knocks at the Gabba
Gabba, Dabba, Do!
Part-genius, part-caveman – Ian Botham fires up the Ashes team of ’86 following some dismal test results. On the eve of the match in Brisbane Beefy tells them to forget the past and get on with the job then, bam, smashes a superb 138 the next day. England triumph. Ug!
Pivotal perfection
It was England’s highest ever second innings score in an Ashes test in Australia and prevented certain defeat. More importantly it set the tone for overall victory in 2011. Hundreds from Strauss and Trott and Cook’s magnificent 235 add up to a resounding 517 for 1.
