Sydney: Brisbane’s Gabba ground will host Test cricket for at least another three years, it was announced on Tuesday, in daunting news for teams visiting Australia.
Cricket Australia said a deal had been reached to play a Test annually at the venue until the end of the 2018-19 season, as well as a one-day or Twenty20 international each season for the next three years.
Australia has a formidable record at the Gabba, nicknamed the ‘Gabbatoir’ and known for its heat, fast wicket and unforgiving, partisan crowd.
The hosts have not lost a Test at the venue, in Brisbane’s Woolloongabba district, since going down to Viv Richards’ great West Indies side in 1988.
“Australia’s record at the Gabba has been exceptional and the fact we remain undefeated at the Gabba since 1988 underlines that record,” said CA general manager Pat Howard.
“As a consequence the Australian players always look forward to a Gabba Test.”
The ground will this year host its first day-night Test with a pink ball, against Pakistan in December, with a bumper crowd expected.
