The Gabba curator, Dave Sandurski, is preparing a pitch for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane that aims to reward both batters and bowlers, following the example of a recent Sheffield Shield day-night match at the stadium. The Test, scheduled to begin next Thursday, will feature a new strip, but players expect similar conditions that support competitive cricket for all disciplines.

In the recent Shield match, Queensland players Matt Renshaw and Xavier Bartlett were standout performers. Renshaw scored 114 in the first innings, while Bartlett made 72 runs and took 4-35 in the second innings. Their performances highlighted how the Gabba surface allows players to excel with both bat and ball when conditions are right. The match concluded at the end of the third day, giving Sandurski more time to prepare the pitch under the forecasted hot weather.

Sandurski explained that the extra preparation time brings the pitch closer to the ideal ten-day preparation period. He said, “All indications are there is a bit of heat around. The wicket will dry out a lot quicker, so you’ve got to make sure you keep enough moisture in it to last five days.” He added that the aim is to produce a wicket where all players can display their skills, ensuring that every aspect of the game is in play throughout the match.

The curator noted that the Shield game was a clear example of how good batting and bowling will be rewarded at the Gabba. He said that previous two-day Tests, like the one in Perth, reflected how teams approached the game rather than the surface itself. “Years ago, draws were acceptable, but now players play more shots and create chances for wickets,” Sandurski added.

Bartlett highlighted the middle session, played in twilight under lights, as a key period where the pink ball behaves differently. “Just in twilight, the pink ball talks a little more and the game goes through massive ebbs and flows. Wickets fall in clumps, so you have to stay focused and take advantage of that period,” he said. Bartlett believes that if the Test pitch is similar to the Shield match, it will be a true cricket wicket where batting and bowling are equally rewarded.

Renshaw agreed, describing the twilight period as challenging. “While batting, it feels like you can get a ball with your name on it, but overall it should be similar to the usual Gabba wickets. We’ve seen pink-ball Tests here before, like when West Indies toured, and it swung nicely while still being good for batting,” he said.

The Gabba has a long reputation for producing balanced pitches, giving both bowlers and batters opportunities to perform. Sandurski’s preparation is designed to maintain this tradition, ensuring that the upcoming day-night Ashes Test is competitive and entertaining. With experience from recent Shield matches, the team anticipates a surface that challenges players while allowing quality cricket to flourish over five days.

The pitch preparation, focus on the twilight session, and lessons from past matches give players confidence that the Gabba will once again deliver exciting, balanced cricket for fans and competitors alike.