THE GABBATTOIR
When Pakistan’s cricketers arrive at the ’Gabba (or Brisbane Cricket Ground, as it is almost never referred to) on November 21 for the opening day’s play of a two-Test series against the Aussies, they will be met by more than an Australian team buoyed by recently retaining the Ashes in England. Pakistan will also be facing a record dating all the way back to 1989. Yep, it all began with a draw against Arjuna Ranatunga’s Sri Lankans that year, with the West Indies the last touring team to win a Test match in Brisbane, which happened the previous summer.
In the subsequent three decades, the “Gabbattoir” has become a well-earned soubriquet. And the Australians haven’t merely won matches at the Gabba, either; over the years they have handed out some massive defeats.
The Aussies’ Gabba record stands at 30 Tests unbeaten in a row, including 23 wins. In fact, the Baggy Greens are on a six-Test winning streak as you read this – their second such run during their 30-year streak. The margins of victory have been comprehensive in many matches: ten wickets on four occasions, an innings victory on seven and a victory over 100 runs in nine games.
Pakistan’s record in Brisbane does not augur well. In the five matches it has played at the Gabba, it has only a rain-affected draw in 1983 to show for its endeavours. Greg Chappell’s double century and Dennis Lillee’s nine-wicket haul were too much in 1981. Two more outings in the 1990s saw Pakistan fare no better despite having such talent as
