Australia’s cricketing force appears unstoppable, with eyes set on a fifth consecutive win in their Test escapades as they gear up for the second and climactic face-off of their series against West Indies at Brisbane’s venerable cricket ground, The Gabba. Riding high from a 1-0 series lead, the Aussies are poised to tackle the last Test match of their summer with a combat-ready spirit.
Even though COVID-19 has infiltrated their ranks, the Australian camp maintains a posture of calm, signaling no imminent changes to their playing lineup. Both all-rounder Cameron Green and head coach Andrew McDonald have contracted the virus. However, star batsman Steven Smith has eased the concerns stating that both individuals are “fine,” with a lack of physical complications despite positive test results, as per Cricket.com.au’s communications.
This upcoming showdown is no ordinary one: a pink ball in play brings a different spectacle to the game. Australia boasts an impressive track record combined with a deep-seated familiarity in such matches. “No doubt playing a pink-ball Test almost every year, and some Shield cricket over the years with the pink ball, helps us familiarise ourselves … perhaps better than oppositions can, just by experience,” Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins articulated to Cricket.com.au, highlighting their edge in the day-night format.
Brisbane presents an interesting battleground for cricket, with its wicket at The Gabba being notably pace-friendly. Known as the second-quickest pitch in Australia following Perth, the surface for this particular encounter carries a lively green tinge, is expected to peak in velocity on day 2, and could potentially favor the bowlers with its bouncy nature. Considering these characteristics, it wouldn’t come as a shock if this Test concludes within three or four days as the quicks on both sides salivate at the prospect of tearing through the opposition’s batting order.
Ground statistics showcase The Gabba’s reputation for producing intriguing and sometimes swiftly concluded Test matches. A historical analysis evidences that out of 67 Test matches played here, teams batting first have clinched 25 games, whereas teams that took to bowling initially have emerged victorious slightly more often, with 27 wins. The average scoring hints at an initial advantage for the team batting first, with an average first innings score of 328, closely followed by second innings scores averaging around 318.
Observers of the game’s statistics will note a tapering trend as matches progress, with third innings scores typically dipping down to an average of 238, and fourth innings chases generally managing a mere 161 on the board. Australia holds the record for the highest total at The Gabba, hitting a monumental 645 all-out against England. Meanwhile, India holds the title for the highest score chased down at this ground, ticking off 329 runs for a loss of 7 wickets against Australia. The track also witnessed a low, with a minimal 58 all out scored by India in a bygone era, signaling a warning for any who take its pace lightly.
As the Aussie team straps in for the final Test of their summer season, the stage is set at The Gabba, where history, pace, and a fight for supremacy promise to keep the cricketing world riveted. Will the Australians continue their dominating march or will West Indies find the resolve to even the series? This pink ball contest under Brisbane’s lights is set to deliver the answer.
