Editorial: Why Gabba case just got stronger

Australia’s summer of Test cricket is simply better when it starts in Brisbane, writes the editor.

Now that the euphoria of Australia’s incredible victory in the  first Ashes Test in Perth has died down (how good was Travis Head!) we are left with one uncomfortable truth.

It is this – Test matches are meant to last a hell of a lot longer than two days.

For the first time in 104 years, an Ashes match wrapped up inside six sessions. In terms of balls bowled, the situation was even worse. Fans saw just 847 deliveries, the least in an Ashes clash since 1888.

That’s not to say the fans at Perth Stadium were short-changed. Far from it. Those lucky enough to have seats for the two days of play will have memories that will last a lifetime – including the Barmy Army who must wish they could forget it all.

For those who held tickets to days three and four, there is a feeling of bitter disappointment, although at least they will get their money back.

But for Cricket Australia, there is already a $4m hole in their coffers after an $11m loss last financial year.

While Cricket Australia might (privately) bemoan England’s Bazball tactics, which for the batters essentially translates as “you’re here for a good time, not a long time”, the fact is that their decision to gift the first Test to Perth, eschewing the traditional Gabba opener, meant this two-day debacle was always a possibility.

For visiting teams, Perth, be it at the old WACA or the new stadium, provides the most foreign of conditions. The Kookaburra bounces like a rubber ball on concrete, and teams used to the low, dusty wickets of the subcontinent or the green, seaming decks of England can be quickly found out.

This phenomenon is only exacerbated if the visiting team hasn’t had time to acclimatise to Australia’s bouncier pitches, as we saw in Perth, and are made to deal with the “most Australian” of pitches right from the outset of the series.

Traditionally, opening the Test summer at “the Gabbatoir” in Brisbane almost always resulted in an Australian win, but generally there were lots of runs scored (mainly by the Aussies) and the match would typically last until the fourth, and sometimes the fifth, day.

Our cricket-loving Premier David Crisafulli hasn’t given up on returning the opening Test match to the Gabba before the new stadium opens at Victoria Park, saying he had spoken to Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird, and he had been “tongue-in-cheek” when declaring Perth would continue to host the event.

“I love Test cricket and I don’t like two-day Tests, which is why you should have a first Test at a place you can get a spectacle,” Mr Crisafulli said.

The Premier added that the government was still talking with CA about hosting the First Test of the 2028-29 summer – a blockbuster clash with India – once the Perth deal expired.

Let’s hope he succeeds. As proud Queenslanders, but especially as cricket lovers, we are sincere when we say that Australia’s summer of Test cricket is simply better when it starts in Brisbane.

GOVT SHOWS SUPPORT FOR COAL

Peabody’s progression of a $662m expansion to its Centurion Mine in the Bowen Basin – and the state government’s support of the project – is welcome news for an industry critical to Queensland’s prosperity.

At a time the state’s coal mining industry has been warning the government of dwindling investment and jobs being at risk, this news indicates things mightn’t be as dire as claimed.

This is the first proposed coal mine project declared a co-ordinated project by the state government.

If approved, its 7.1 million tonnes of coal will help to manufacture steel needed across the world.

It will also secure more than 500 Central Queensland mining jobs.

Powerbrokers have rightly pushed for the LNP government to reverse Labor-era royalty tiers that make Queensland among the most expensive places in the world to invest.

However, Premier David Crisafulli has been steadfast in his refusal to tinker and instead says the sector will benefit from streamlined and clear decision making. This decision to declare Peabody’s Centurion Mine a co-ordinated project appears to do just that.

Effective resources and royalties policies is critical to Queensland’s future because, while some may despise mining, it pays for hospitals, schools and will fund a large part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games venues.

The state government should reconsider the Labor-era coal royalty changes, but Peabody’s latest move proves its drive to grow investment is working.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here

Originally published as Editorial: Why Gabba case just got stronger