It has been an action-packed T20I series between Australia and India. After the four games, the series is slightly heading towards India, as they are leading the series 2-1. The final game will be deciding the series winner. However, one thing is sure: India can’t lose the series from here on.
The fifth and final T20I is scheduled to take place at The Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday (November 8) at 1:45 PM IST. India won the last two games as the pitch conditions also helped them, and it had good assistance for spinners. But the wicket in Brisbane will be spicier and will assist the pacers. Here we will discuss briefly the pitch report and playing conditions for the Gabba.
The Gabba Stadium Pitch Report – Batting or Bowling Pitch?
The Gabba, also known as Brisbane Cricket Ground, is one of the most iconic venues across all of Australia. It has been operational since 1895 and has hosted over 150 international matches across formats. It offers a seating capacity of 42000 at once. Not just cricket, this venue has also hosted other games like athletics, Australian rules football, baseball, music concerts, cycling, rugby, and pony and greyhound racing.
Unlike many other Australian venues, the Gabba doesn’t use the drop-in wicket. It has a traditional cricket pitch, which keeps the characteristics like bounce and pace consistent throughout the game. The ball comes nicely on the bat, and batsmen can play their shot riding on the bounce. But this is a very good surface to bowl on to. It offers a green covering of grass, which offers bounce and pace, along with big boundaries. Notably, this was the first Australian venue to host a home T20I.
The Gabba Pitch Report – Fast Bowlers or Spinners Pitch?
Because it is not a drop-in wicket, so the bounce is always good from the wicket in Brisbane. Generally, the playing conditions are based on how the pitch is prepared and assisting the home team. That is why the pace and bounce from the wicket are always good. Fast bowlers will get more out of the surface with the new ball.
For batters, adjusting to the bounce can be difficult, and using the pace can be a good option to score. As the game goes forward, spinners will come into play, especially under light because of the moisture. For fast bowlers, hitting the 4 to 6 meter length can extract more help.
Bowling cutters and slower ones can be hard to pick in the final overs. For spinners, they can use the long boundaries and give more flight to the ball. This venue has hosted 11 T20Is and has an average first-innings score of 159, which is slightly on the higher side as compared to other Australian venues.
The Gabba – Test Records
| Category | Details |
| Total Matches | 69 |
| Matches won batting first | 26 |
| Matches won bowling first | 27 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 329 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 316 |
| Average 3rd innings Score | 236 |
| Average 4th innings Score | 158 |
| Highest total recorded | 645/10 (158.6 Ovs) By AUS vs ENG |
| Lowest total recorded | 58/10 (21.3 Ovs) By IND vs AUS |
| Highest score chased | 329/7 (97 Ovs) By IND vs AUS |
| Lowest score defended | 122/10 (38 Ovs) By ENG vs AUS |
The Gabba – ODI Records
| Category | Details |
| Total Matches | 80 |
| Matches won batting first | 34 |
| Matches won bowling first | 41 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 226 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 201 |
| Highest total recorded | 324/7 (50 Ovs) By AUS vs WI |
| Lowest total recorded | 71/10 (23.4 Ovs) By PAK vs WI |
| Highest score chased | 309/3 (49 Ovs) By AUS vs IND |
| Lowest score defended | 178/8 (50 Ovs) By ENG vs AUS |
Like to know? India vs Australia Head-to-Head Records in ODI & T20I (All Time)
The Gabba – T20I Records
| Category | Details |
| Total Matches | 12 |
| Matches won batting first | 8 |
| Matches won bowling first | 3 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 159 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 138 |
| Highest total recorded | 209/3 (20 Ovs) By AUS vs RSA |
| Lowest total recorded | 114/10 (18.3 Ovs) By RSA vs AUS |
| Highest score chased | 161/4 (18.5 Ovs) By AUS vs RSA |
| Lowest score defended | 93/4 (7 Ovs) By AUS vs PAK |
FAQ:
Is The Gabba Batting or Bowling Friendly?
The wicket at The Gabba offers a good bouncy wicket. It generally has grass to start with, which brings in bounce and pace from the wicket. It is not a drop-in wicket, so the surface will offer seam movement with the new ball. For batters, spending the time is the key.
What is the average score at The Gabba?
The Gabba has been operational since 1895 in cricket. It has hosted more than 150 international games. In T20 internationals, it has hosted 12 matches until now. In these games, the average score here is around 159-165 in the first innings.
What are the boundary dimensions at The Gabba Stadium?
The Gabba in Brisbane is not a small venue. It offers big boundaries across the ground. The square boundaries are of size 75 meters, while the straight boundaries can range up to 85 meters.
