The best Gabba Ashes moments
AUSSIE batsmen smashing tons, fast bowlers terrorising the Poms - we've done it all before. Relive our favourite Gabba Ashes moments.
THE Ashes are upon us and again, the Gabba will host the series opener.
For years, the Brisbane Test has set the tone of a series and provided many memorable moments.
In a bid to inspire Michael Clarke's troops, here, in chronological order, are our top Aussie Gabba Ashes moments.
If you reckon we've missed one (or two, or three), have your say at the bottom of this story.
1965: DOUG WALTERS'S CENTURY ON DEBUT
Fresh from scoring a ton for NSW against England in a tour match, 19-year-old Doug Walters was named in the First Test team and repaid the faith, scoring 115 on debut. His dashing innings - it included 11 fours and two sixes - immediately won over the fans, and an Aussie legend was born.
1974: THOMSON AND LILLEE UNLEASH HELL
Jeff Thomsona nd Dennis Lillee pounded the English batsmen with some vicious bowling. Captain Ian Chappell said: "I hadn't witnessed the full, frightening pace of Jeff Thomson until the First Test of the 1974-75 series against England. His first over was quick ... I was standing beside (wicketkeeper) Rod Marsh as the ball thudded into his gloves. He tossed the ball to Greg Chappell at second slip - and wrung his hands. 'Something wrong, pal?' I asked. 'Christ, that hurt,' said Marsh. 'But I love it.'
Thommo took nine wickets for the match, as Australia won by 166 runs.
1982 KEPLER WESSELS TON ON DEBUT
Kepler Wessels became the first South African-born person to play for Australia when chosen for the First Test of the 1982-83 Ashes series. The Queensland state player also became the 13th Australian player to score a century on debut. Wessels dominated the English bowling, with scores of 162 in the first innings and 46 in the second. He was instrumental in Australia's victory by seven wickets and was named man of the match.
2002 MATTHEW HAYDEN'S TWIN TONS
Queensland's favourite son was at the height of his powers as the 2002-03 series kicked off. He smashed the English bowlers all around his home ground, scoring 197 in the first innings and backed it up with an impressive 103 in the second as Australia romped to a 394-run win and went on to win the series 4-1.
2006 STEVE HARMISON BOWLS WORST BALL IN ASHES HISTORY
Australia had surrendered the Ashes on the 2005 tour and the English were cocky coming into the 2006-07 series opener, boasting an impressive - on paper at least - pace attack. And then their great, hulking hope, Steve Harmison wound up and sent down the widest first ball ever seen. Justin Langer would have needed a GPS to find it as the cherry landed a mile outside the popping crease. Harmison's howler set the tone for the match, and the series. Australia regained the urn with a 5-0 clean sweep.
2010 PETER SIDDLE'S HAT-TRICK
Not a bad way to celebrate your birthday. Peter Siddle skittled England's top and middle-order with some brilliant bowling on the first day of the 2010 series opener. He claimed Alastair Cook with an edge to slip, then spreadeagled Matt Prior's stumps next ball, before trapping Stuart Broad lbw with a fast yorker. Siddle, who turned 26 that day, went on to claim 6-54. But he couldn't repeat the efforts in the second innings. The match was drawn, and England went on to win the series.
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