Siddle hat-trick, Starc wicket, Clarke sledge: 10 biggest Ashes moments at the Gabba

Siddle’s hat-trick, Harmison’s howler, Starc’s first ball, get ready for a broken f--king arm. The Gabba may not be hosting the opening Ashes Test, but the venue has already delivered a lifetime of historic moments.

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November 20, 2025 - 2:11PM

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The Gabba may not be hosting the opening Ashes Test, but the venue has already delivered a lifetime of historic moments.

As the series gets set to start in Perth – the first time in more than 40 years Brisbane won’t hold the first Ashes Test – we reflect on the monumental moments over the years.

These are 10 of the biggest Gabba Ashes Test moments >>>

TOP 10 GABBA ASHES MOMENTS

First Ashes at the Gabba

In 1936–37, England seized the ground’s first Ashes Test and skittled Australia for 58 in the chase to win by 322 runs.

It was a bruising debut series as skipper for Don Bradman, who’d later engineer a 3–2 comeback that summer.

This Test was the start of the Ashes’ love affair with the Brisbane venue.

Lillee and Thomson’s brutal salvo

In 1974–75, Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee terrorised England, launching the most infamous pace onslaught the Gabba has seen.

Wisden judged the series “never in the 98 years of Test cricket have batsmen been so grievously bruised and battered by ferocious, hostile, short‑pitched balls,” while the chant rang out: “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo don’t get ya, Lillee must.”

Botham’s last great Test

In 1986–87, Ian Botham rolled back the years with a swaggering 138 to set up England’s seven‑wicket win.

Before the series, commentator Martin Johnson quipped, “There are only three things wrong with this England team – they can’t bat, can’t bowl and can’t field,”.

Aussie skipper Allan Border later conceded: “The couple of hours that Botham batted was a key moment in the entire series.”

Warne’s wizardry, Slater’s statement

In 1994–95, Michael Slater cut the first ball for four and surged to 176 before Shane Warne shredded England with 8/71 in the fourth innings (11 in the match).

“I guess I got a little bit too cocky,” Slater reflected later, and Warne recalled the almost hat‑trick: “I tried a wrong ’un and it didn’t work.”

Nasser bowls first

In 2002–03, Nasser Hussain won the toss and bowled; by stumps Australia were 2‑364 and on the way to a 384‑run win as Matthew Hayden (197) and Ricky Ponting (123) cashed in.

Hussain later admitted, “Blatantly obvious … the decision I made … was a big mistake.”

Harmison’s first ball shocker

In 2006–07, the series began with a misfire for the ages: Steve Harmison’s opening ball flew straight to second slip, and Ricky Ponting’s 196 anchored a 277‑run victory and a 5–0 sweep.

“I froze … I let the enormity of the occasion get to me,” Harmison said.

Ponting noted, “When the first ball of the day went to second slip … it suggested England might have been a bit nervous.”

Siddle’s birthday hat-trick

On day one in 2010–11, Peter Siddle, turning 26, removed Alastair Cook, Matt Prior and Stuart Broad in three balls.

“To get him on the full with a bit of shape was a dream ball … one of the best birthday presents I’m ever going to get,” Siddle grinned afterwards.

Johnson’s demolition, Clarke’s threat

In 2013–14, Mitchell Johnson’s nine wickets lit the fuse for a 381‑run win.

In a sign of the growing tensions between the teams the stump mic captured captain Michael Clarke telling James Anderson: “Get ready for a broken f**king arm,” after the fast bowler was chirping at Australian debutant George Bailey.

The tone was set by David Warner’s opening ball boundary as the hosts romped to a 5–0 series victory.

Smith’s ton, Lyon’s laser run‑out

In 2017–18, Steve Smith dragged Australia from 4/76 to a commanding position with an unbeaten 141.

“It meant a lot … my slowest, but one of my best,” he said.

Earlier, Nathan Lyon’s one‑hand pick‑up and direct hit cut down James Vince on 83, prompting Ricky Ponting in commentary to say it “could be a defining moment in this game” – even “the whole series.”