Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Bounce and spice on the agenda for Gabba deck in Third Test

The Gabba’s curator has handed Australia the best possible news ahead of the third Test, predicting a return to the pre-Christmas window usually bringing with it more life and bounce.

Australia’s players will return to the scene of one of their lowest ebbs this week, with their 2021 loss to India in Brisbane costing them the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The hosts had been undefeated at the Gabba since 1988 prior to that match, and have also since been shocked by West Indies at the ground last summer.

But it has not been lost on players that both of those matches came in the second half of January, as opposed to in early-summer Tests.

Players had long pushed for the Gabba to remain as opening Test of the summer, where its bounce often exposes fragilities of touring players still adjusting to Australian wickets.

The issue became something that had been a sticking point for then-captain Tim Paine prior to the 2020-21 summer, quipping at one stage he would have to ask Virat Kohli for permission to play there.

Australia’s players have also offered similar lines this summer, with Mitchell Starc noting in October that the January timing of the 2021 Test against India was a factor.

Australia have lost three of the five Tests played at the Gabba after Christmas in their history, as opposed to only seven of 61 earlier in the summer.

Gabba curator David Sandurski admitted on Wednesday there were legitimate differences, with early-season wickets fresher and more lively for bowlers.

“Different times of year definitely makes it different, it can be a slightly different pitch,” Sandurski said ahead of Saturday’s third Test start.

“Pitches later in the season might have a bit more wear and tear while ones early in the season usually are a bit fresher and might have a bit more in them.

“Generally speaking we still prepare the pitch the exact same way every time to try and get the same good carry, pace and bounce that the Gabba is known for.

“We are just trying to make a traditional Gabba wicket like we do each year.”

There is also the chance of added spice in the wicket ahead of Saturday, with the series locked at 1-1.

Poor weather around Brisbane meant Australia were forced to train elsewhere on Wednesday, with a further chance of rain and storms late on Friday.

That comes as both sides have top orders who have crumbled at different points in the first two Tests in Perth and Adelaide.

Regardless, Sandurski insisted the Gabba wicket was a long way removed from the one that saw Australia topple South Africa inside two days two years ago.

Instead he said expected something closer to the only Sheffield Shield match played on the ground this year.

Some 15 wickets fell on the opening day of the pink-ball game between Victoria and Queensland last month, before runs came when batters dug in later in the game.

“The aim is to be similar to that wicket where there was a good balance between bat and ball,” Sandurski said.

“Hopefully there is a bit in it for everyone.”