Marnus Labuschagne has expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia’s decision to potentially exclude the Gabba from future Test matches due to the venue’s aging infrastructure.
Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne has expressed disappointment over the decision by Cricket Australia to remove the Gabba from the Test cricket schedule. The iconic Brisbane stadium, which has hosted Ashes matches for decades and served as Labuschagne’s home ground, will not be included in the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes series. This decision is part of Cricket Australia’s response to concerns about the venue’s aging infrastructure.
Labuschagne, who has a strong personal and professional connection to the Gabba, feels that the move is a significant loss for the team, as they have enjoyed a strong record at the venue.
“Every time we (Australia) don’t get to play at the Gabba, it’s disappointing for us as a playing group because we love the wicket at the Gabba. We love playing in Brisbane, we’ve got a really good record in Brisbane, so that (no Tests at the Gabba) is really not ideal,” Labuschagne said while speaking to Fox Sports.
“Hopefully, over the next couple of years, we can sort out the things that need to be done for us to be hosting Tests (at the Gabba) in the future. It’d be a sad day if we don’t get to play at the Gabba for a long period of time,” he added.
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Earlier, Cricket Australia’s CEO Nick Hockley had mentioned that the decision was influenced by the need to address the stadium’s declining condition, signaling the end of its era as a key Test cricket venue.
The Gabba was originally planned to be the main stadium for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, but these plans have now been scrapped by the Queensland government due to financial challenges. This decision raises further uncertainty about the future of this historic cricket ground. Australia has played 66 Tests at the Gabba since 1931, winning 42 of them, showcasing their dominance at the Brisbane venue.
Last Updated on August 20, 2024
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