Pakistan Fields First in Rain-Shortened T20I Opener Against Australia

Pakistan Fields First in Rain-Shortened T20I Opener Against Australia

Pakistan Opts to Field First in Rain-Delayed T20I Opener Against Australia

In a rain-affected first T20I at the Gabba, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan elected to field first after winning the toss. The match, initially scheduled for a full 20 overs, was reduced to a seven-over contest due to persistent lightning and rain in Brisbane.

Pakistan’s batting-heavy lineup features the return of wicketkeeper-batter Sahibzada Farhan, who replaced left-arm fast bowler Jahandad Khan at the last minute. The pace attack boasts the formidable trio of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, while Babar Azam and Rizwan will open the batting.

Australia’s captain, Josh Inglis, echoed Rizwan’s decision to field first. Their top five remains largely unchanged from the ODI series, with Adam Zampa as the specialist spinner and Tim David slotting into the middle order. Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson complete the bowling attack.

The reduced format of the match means that only two bowlers can bowl a maximum of two overs each, while all other bowlers are restricted to one over. The powerplay consists of two overs.

Australia:

1. Jake Fraser-McGurk
2. Matt Short
3. Josh Inglis (capt & wk)
4. Glenn Maxwell
5. Tim David
6. Marcus Stoinis
7. Aaron Hardie
8. Xavier Bartlett
9. Nathan Ellis
10. Adam Zampa
11. Spencer Johnson

Pakistan:

1. Babar Azam
2. Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk)
3. Sahibzada Farhan
4. Usman Khan
5. Salman Agha
6. Irfan Khan
7. Abbas Afridi
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
9. Haseebullah Khan
10. Haris Rauf
11. Naseem Shah

Queensland Cricket, Lions Push for New Olympic Stadium

Queensland Cricket, Lions Push for New Olympic Stadium

Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions have joined forces to urge Premier David Crisafulli to reconsider his ban on new stadiums and support the construction of a $3.4 billion Victoria Park venue as the centerpiece of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The sporting bodies have sent a letter to the Premier expressing their concerns over the future of the Gabba, which was initially slated for demolition and rebuilding under the previous Labor government but has since been put on hold. They argue that the Gabba is in poor condition and will reach the end of its life by 2030, and that a new stadium is essential for both cricket and AFL to thrive in Brisbane.

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said the sporting bodies are seeking assurances from the government that they will have a viable venue to play in, regardless of the Gabba’s future. “We’re hoping to meet with the new premier and his team over the next couple of weeks,” Svenson said. “It’s just really to talk about what our expectations are but I guess more the frustrations that we have had over the last 18 months.”

The uncertainty over the Gabba’s future has already had a negative impact on Queensland Cricket, which is struggling to attract prestige international cricket matches due to the venue’s aging infrastructure. Svenson said the sporting bodies need a decision on the Gabba’s fate sooner rather than later so they can plan for the future.

“If displacement is back on the table we actually need to have that conversation with the government,” Svenson said. “If this place gets knocked down and rebuilt where do the Lions play, where does Australian cricket play? It’s important for us to have certainty that it doesn’t send us broke.”

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said he had not seen the letter but was “happy to look into it.” However, he reiterated the government’s stance that there will be no new stadium built for the Olympics.

Ashes 2025-26: Gabba to Host Day-Night Test, Adelaide Gets Pre-Christmas Slot

Ashes 2025-26: Gabba to Host Day-Night Test, Adelaide Gets Pre-Christmas Slot

Cricket Australia has announced the schedule for the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia, with significant changes to the traditional rotation. The Gabba will host the second Test as a day-night match, while Adelaide will host the third Test as a day game.

The series will commence with the first Test in Perth from November 21-25, followed by the day-night Test in Brisbane from December 4-8. Adelaide will host the third Test from December 17-21, with the traditional Boxing Day Test taking place at the MCG from December 26. Sydney will host the fifth and final Test from January 4-8.

The shift of the day-night Test from Adelaide to Brisbane is a notable departure from the previous rotation. Adelaide has been the home of the day-night Test since its inception in 2015, hosting the second Test in the 2017-18 and 2021-22 Ashes series. However, South Australia’s government and Cricket Australia were keen to give Adelaide a marquee holiday slot, recognizing its popularity as a tourist destination.

The Gabba has previously hosted three day-night Tests, including the West Indies’ famous victory in January 2023. However, it will be the first time Brisbane has not hosted the Ashes opener since 1982-83. The future of the Gabba as a Test venue remains uncertain due to redevelopment plans for the stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

There has been some criticism of Cricket Australia’s decision to move the Ashes opener away from the Gabba, with former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson among those who believe it should remain the traditional starting point of the summer. However, the Australian team is reportedly content with playing the opening Test in Perth, where they have an unblemished record.

The use of the pink ball at the Gabba has also raised concerns, as Australia’s bowlers have previously expressed reservations about its suitability for the pitch. The ball has been known to soften quickly at the Gabba, leading to periods of stagnation in play.

Despite these concerns, the 2025-26 Ashes series promises to be a highly anticipated event, with both Australia and England looking to claim the coveted urn.

Steve Bucknor's Blunders: Controversial Decisions Haunt Umpire's Legacy

Steve Bucknor’s Blunders: Controversial Decisions Haunt Umpire’s Legacy

Steve Bucknor, the legendary West Indian umpire known for his meticulous decision-making, faced intense criticism for two high-profile blunders involving Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. These errors, occurring in crucial matches at the Gabba in 2003 and Eden Gardens in 2005, sparked outrage among fans and raised questions about Bucknor’s judgment.

In the 2003 Test match between India and Australia, Bucknor controversially ruled Tendulkar out lbw off Jason Gillespie. Replays clearly showed the ball missing the stumps, leading to widespread condemnation of Bucknor’s decision. This dismissal robbed Tendulkar of a potentially match-winning innings and left Indian fans furious.

A similar incident occurred in 2005 during a Test match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens. Bucknor adjudged Tendulkar caught behind off Abdul Razzaq, despite the ball not making contact with his bat. This decision again proved pivotal, ending Tendulkar’s promising innings and shifting the momentum of the match. Indian fans and pundits were outraged, demanding higher umpiring standards.

Bucknor’s slow and deliberate style came under scrutiny after these incidents, with some suggesting it contributed to his errors. However, Bucknor, who officiated in a record 128 Test matches and five consecutive Cricket World Cup finals, later admitted to the mistakes and expressed regret. He acknowledged the pressure umpires face and the human nature of errors.

Despite these controversies, Bucknor’s long career remains notable for his contributions to the game. He is widely regarded as one of the best umpires of his time, but the blunders involving Tendulkar continue to overshadow his legacy among the Indian cricket faithful.

Gabba's Future as International Cricket Venue in Doubt

Gabba’s Future as International Cricket Venue in Doubt

The Gabba, an iconic cricket venue in Brisbane, faces an uncertain future as an international cricket ground. The Queensland government has signed a two-year hosting agreement with Cricket Australia, leaving the venue’s long-term status in doubt.

The Gabba has witnessed numerous historic Test moments, including the 1960 tie, Ian Botham’s last great innings, and Shane Warne’s career-best performance. However, its viability as a modern cricket stadium is nearing its end in 2030.

Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympics, and initial plans to rebuild the Gabba were scrapped due to costs. Instead, a renovation is expected, but its impact on the stadium’s usability during the renovation remains unclear.

Queensland Cricket has expressed frustration and concern over the uncertainty, fearing it could impact participation and fan engagement in the state. Former Australia captain Allan Border has called for a new multipurpose venue to be built in Brisbane.

Tasmania is also vying to host indoor Test cricket in its proposed new Hobart stadium, which could potentially challenge the Gabba’s status as a regular Test venue. However, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird emphasized the importance of Brisbane remaining part of the Test schedule.

Queensland has other smaller international venues, such as Allan Border Field and the Gold Coast, which could host international matches. The Future Tours Programme includes winter home cricket in Australia, potentially opening the door for venues like Cairns and Townsville.

The Gabba’s future remains uncertain, but Cricket Australia is working with the AFL to find a long-term solution for a major cricket venue in Brisbane. Queensland Cricket remains hopeful that Test cricket will return to the Gabba after 2026-27, despite the current lack of clarity.

Gabba Demolition Proposed for Multi-Sport Olympic Stadium

Gabba Demolition Proposed for Multi-Sport Olympic Stadium

Former Australian captain Allan Border has sparked controversy by calling for the iconic Gabba cricket ground in Brisbane to be demolished and replaced with a new multi-purpose stadium for the 2032 Olympics. Border believes that a new 60,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park would better serve the needs of multiple sports, including rugby, cricket, Australian rules football, and the Olympics.

The Gabba has been a fortress for Australia, but India’s historic Test series win in 2021 raised questions about its future. The Queensland government recently abandoned a $2.7 billion plan to demolish and rebuild the Gabba for the Olympics, instead investing in upgrades to other sporting facilities.

Border argues that a new stadium would not only provide a world-class venue for major events but also generate revenue through the sale of property on the Gabba’s current site. He believes that the uncertainty surrounding the Gabba’s future has led to Brisbane being excluded from Australia’s Test match schedule for the next seven years.

Former wicketkeeper-batter Ian Healy shares Border’s concerns, expressing Cricket Australia’s anxiety about the future of cricket in Brisbane. Healy points out that other states are investing in new stadiums, while Brisbane has been left behind.

The Queensland government’s decision to reject a proposal for a new oval stadium at Victoria Park has further complicated the situation. With state elections approaching in October, the future of the Gabba remains uncertain.

Border’s proposal has sparked debate, with some supporting his call for a new stadium and others arguing for the preservation of the Gabba’s heritage. The Queensland government will ultimately decide the fate of the iconic venue, which has played a significant role in Australian cricket history.

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