WC venue guide: Brisbane, The ‘Gabba

2015 World Cup

Cricket365
February 9, 2015

Established: 1895
Capacity: 40,000
Floodlights: Yes
Ends: Stanley Street End, Vulture Street End
Home Team: Queensland
ODI History: 78 ODIs; 21 home wins; 47 away wins; 10 other

Overview

The Brisbane Cricket ground, situated in the Woollongabba area of Brisbane and universally known by its nickname the 'Gabba, has been extensively redeveloped over recent years.

The distinctive grassy banks have been replaced with modern stands and, while some of the ground's charm may have been lost in the work, the 'Gabba now offers top-class facilities for players and spectators alike.

The 'Gabba's most famous moment occurred in 1960/1, when it hosted the legendary tied Test between Australia and West Indies.

Traditionally, the 'Gabba wicket has been a batting heaven. The track is known for staying flat and true for the duration of the five days of a Test match. The fast bowlers may get slight assistance early on, but that is the most they can expect to receive.

There is often a little more there for the spinners, with the extra bounce as likely to hoodwink the batsman as turn.

The current groundsman, Kevin Mitchell Junior, took over the role from Kevin Senior and continues to produce consistently fair tracks that offer something for everyone. But especially, it seems, Australians; the home side haven't lost at 'Fortress Gabba' in 24 Tests stretching back to 1988.

That formidable record may be one of the reasons the ground has established itself as the traditional host for the first Test of the Australian summer. The playing area, meanwhile, is quite expansive – at 171 metres long and 151 metres wide.

Top ODI total: 324 for 7 by Australia vs West Indies in 2010

Favours batting/bowling: Batting. 25 indidvidual centuries in 78 ODI's says it all, while there have only been nine bowlers who have taken five-wicket hauls.

Best ODI batsman: Dean Jones 513 runs in nine innings, including two fifties and two centurieS. He has an average of 57.00 and a strike-rate of 86.80

Best ODI bowler: Glen McGrath 21 wickets in 10 matches, Best bowling of in an innings of four for 24. Average is 16.28 with an economy rate of 3.60

Fixtures:

Sat Feb 21: Pool A – Australia v Bangladesh
Wed Feb 25: Pool B – Ireland v United Arab Emirates
Sun Mar 1: Pool B – Pakistan v Zimbabwe

Most exciting match-up: Sun Mar 1: Pool B – Pakistan v Zimbabwe