Gabba first Test call: Fans back return, as future home of Qld cricket to be ‘best stadium in world’
Cricket Australia chief executive Mike Baird has declared Victoria Park will be the sport’s best stadium in the world, as negotiations continue to return the prized First Test to Brisbane before 2032.
Cricket Australia chief executive Mike Baird has declared Victoria Park will be the sport’s best stadium in the world, as negotiations continue to return the prized First Test to Brisbane before 2032.
Cricket will move from its time honoured but decaying home at the Gabba to the $3.7bn Olympic and Paralympic Stadium at Victoria Park once the 2032 Games are complete.
While some traditionalists are not overjoyed with the move, Mr Baird feels it will make Brisbane a world pacesetter.
“There’s no doubt, when you look at the initial design, the location, the proximity, what that will be, without doubt, is the best stadium that cricket has around the world,” he said.
“I certainly think as a sport, the fan experience is so critical.
“Having the best possible stadium to deliver that, Brisbane is going to have that and have no rivals to it.
“The first test post the Olympics, will be … the cricket Test. So that’s the start.
“There’s an opportunity to keep that story going.”
The Queensland government is pitching an audacious plan to Cricket Australia for the first Test to return to the Gabba and start the summer with a blockbuster clash against India in 2028.
The Gabba has just four more chances to host a First Test before the Woolloongabba stadium is demolished after its 2032 Games swan song.
But Brisbane is facing a bidding war with Perth and Adelaide for the rights, with Mr Baird confirming negotiations were ongoing.
Mr Baird said the interest to return the First Test to Brisbane had been “unbelievable”.
“We’ve heard that. We understand that there is an opportunity that sits there post the contractual agreements. We are talking to the government,” he said.
“Credit to the Premier and the Treasurer here, and Sports Minister, Tourism Minister, they’re all in.
“It’s quite clear that they want to deliver for Queensland the First Test, so we look forward to those discussions.”
Queensland Cricket chair Kirsten Pike said securing back the first Test of the summer remained a priority.
“The Gabba is a special place, and Queensland cricket looks forward to working alongside government and Cricket Australia to ensure that this wonderful cricket ground can continue to surprise and delight the fans who come along in their droves in the years to come,” she said.
“With the Gabba available until 2032, we look forward to contributing to the delivery of more outstanding cricket and ensuring that Queenslanders can continue to see their heroes showcase their talents in front of us.”
Fans were not shy about voicing their support for the return of the First Test to the Gabba.
The atmosphere for day one was electric, with Aussie fans feeling as much heat in the stands as the English – who haven’t won at the Brisbane fortress since 1986.
Will Colla came up from Victoria for the match with friends Prannoy Josy, Xavier Gercovich and Seth Wallace, and backed the Gabba as a first Test venue.
“I think the Gabba is a good little fortress for Australia, I think it should always host the first game,” Mr Colla said.
Mark Booth, with one-year-old Gwendolyn, continued a 20-year family tradition with a group of 40 coming to Gabba tests every year since the early 2000s.
Mr Booth said it was frustrating the Gabba wasn’t the host for the First Test after decades of summer success.
“It’s been a fortress,” he said.
“We need the first game to be here so we can keep that winning streak going at the Gabba.
“The city of Brisbane needs a decent test every year.
“The first three days are sold out, that shows our commitment to cricket as a city.”
Peter Carroll travelled 1000km from Blackall for day one in Brisbane.
“This is always going to be the home of the First Test,” he said.
“There is always a massive crowd, everyone loves it, you’ve got a big expat crowd of English people here.
“The Gabba is the home of cricket as far as I’m concerned.”
Adrian Maxwell also backed calls for summer’s First Test to return to the Gabba.
“The weather is great in Brisbane when we have the first Test,” he said.
“Statistics show it.
“When we have it later on in the series it has always been interrupted by rain.
“You’ve got to have the First Test in Brisbane – always.”
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