The Gabba proves to be a pitch for the bowlers

London: The prospect of a hostile, bowler-friendly pitch for the pivotal first Test in Brisbane was raised on Monday after Queensland were twice skittled for fewer than a hundred runs at The Gabba.

While England were having the first serious net session of their tour in Perth, New South Wales were concluding a thumping Sheffield Shield victory at the ground where the first blows of the Ashes will be struck on November 25, by an innings and 91 runs within two days.

Queensland were dismissed for just 75 and 96 on a surface made spicy by the unusual amount of rain that has fallen on it in the early weeks of the Australian summer. Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell warned conditions may be the same for the big match later this month.

"Anything is possible," he said. "If there are some cloudy and humid days during preparation then the moisture would stay in the wicket and the grass will continue to grow. We are hoping for at least 10 or 12 sunny days before the first Test. If we get that you will see a fantastic match..."

A surface made for seam would provide a huge dilemma for the captain who wins the first Test toss, with both Andrew Strauss and Ricky Ponting wary of batting first. Australia, who may leave out Nathan Hauritz and go for an all-seam attack, have not lost at the Gabba since 1988.