Nasser Hussain infamously won the toss, asked Australia to bat at the Gabba and then watched as they piled on 2-364 in a day. Now, one great is predicting a similar “sucker punch” will befall India.
Cricket has gained a powerful ally in its efforts to have a “bigger house” built for Queensland sport, with estimations a stadium with at least 60,000 capacity will be needed within years.
The decision by two fast bowlers to quit training mid-session and head across town to another venue highlights why the Gabba’s role in cricket appears to be coming to an end.
Usman Khawaja has made the Gabba his home since joining Queensland’s Sheffield Shield team and the Brisbane Heat, but the Australian opener senses the famed ground is dying a slow death.
Usman Khawaja quips he hates being called an opening batsman but he may yet stay in that role for some time to come, as he lifts the lid on his retirement plans.
Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland’s hopes of playing in the third Test rest on an all-important training session on Thursday. And the sight of a juicy, green Gabba wicket will only spur them on.
Indian coaches decided four years ago to starve Steve Smith of off-side options by bowling at his stumps and body. These are the figures which prove the plan has been successful.
Cricket Australia has launched a major push to have the Gabba scrapped as a Test venue and replaced by a stadium that could sustain the sport for 50 years.
The heated clash between Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj has been handled, but former stars have urged match officials not to sap the spice from the Test match summer, with more fireworks tipped for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Michael Vaughan has urged Pat Cummins and his Aussie bowling line up to continue its bouncer blitz against India, but to not to get too comfortable, with England to bring that same edge in 2025.
Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/journalists/robert-craddock/page/14