Why Brisbane’s Gabba won’t host the first Test in the Ashes series for the first time in four decades
Things will look a little different this summer when the Gabba shifts from its usual spot. SNUB EXPLAINED
Things will look a little different this summer when the Gabba – long home to the first ball of an Ashes series – won’t make its usual appearance.
For the first time in more than four decades the Brisbane venue won’t host the opener between bitter rivals England and Australia.
So why is that the case and what has been the reaction?
What’s the Gabba’s history of hosting the first Test?
The Gabba has traditionally opened home Ashes series since the mid‑1980s; the last time the series didn’t start there was 1982 at the WACA.
Australia’s dominance at the venue helped forge its intimidating reputation, with England carrying “a bit of a baggage” from heavy defeats there, a “definite bonus” to avoid, according to former England allrounder Christ Woakes.
Throw in epic Ashes moments like Nassar Hussain’s coin toss blunder, Peter Siddle’s birthday hat-trick and Mitchell Starc’s first-ball wicket, and you have a lifetime of memories.
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Why isn’t Brisbane hosting the first Test?
Cricket Australia set the 2025–26 Ashes opener for Perth (November 21 to 25), reflecting broader venue planning and uncertainty around the Gabba’s longer‑term arrangements.
The Gabba has long been speculated for upgrades, with repeated calls culminating in plans for the venue’s redevelopment for the 2032 Olympic Games.
However that plan has since been put on ice as debate continues around what is to be done with the one-time home of Queensland sport.
While not mentioning the Gabba, CA said it framed the schedule around fan demand and early travel planning rather than a single‑venue rationale.
Executive GM Joel Morrison said there’s “enormous excitement” around the Ashes and highlighted announcing dates early to help supporters plan trips.
So why Perth?
Optus Stadium’s facilities, capacity and strong Western Australian government support were pivotal.
The state positioned the “West Test” as a marquee event to open the series.
WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson called it a “momentous moment” and “the biggest Test ever played in Perth.”
Perth’s time zone also offers more favourable viewing windows into the UK for day sessions, which can help international broadcast reach at the start of a flagship series.
Does Brisbane still get a Test?
Yes. The Gabba hosts the second Test, a day‑night match from December 4-8, 2025.
The full schedule is:
■ Perth (21–25 Nov)
■ Brisbane D/N (4–8 Dec)
■ Adelaide (12–16 Dec)
■ Melbourne Boxing Day (26–30 Dec)
■ Sydney (3–7 Jan).
Is England’s record at the Gabba a factor?
Not officially, but England’s poor record there is widely noted.
Chris Woakes said: “Australia have a great Ashes record at the Gabba, if I was them I’d want to be playing there first up … it’s certainly surprising that they’ve given up that ‘Gabbatoir’ factor.”
Polarising former quick Stuart Broad added England will “be delighted the first Test isn’t at the Gabba.”
What’s been the reaction to the Gabba losing the first Test?
England voices welcomed it.
CA and Queensland Cricket focused on fan experience and logistics, with CA’s Joel Morrison noting the “enormous excitement” around the series and Queensland Cricket confirming the Gabba’s day‑night Test without lamenting the opener moving west.
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