Getting rid of the Gabba cricket pitch

[lionbear]

I don't understand why we are complaining about the pitch really. If, we are concerned, can't we ask for it to be watered? I can't remember but has any of our players been injured from this area of the ground this season, or any other teams players?

A watered pitch turns into Mud

 

[triplemac]

A watered pitch turns into Mud

I meant to say, the night before or morning of the game. I thought mud may be better for injuries than a hard pitch as they are saying. I don't understand the whole thing really. I would hate to have the ground like Telstra Stadium after the State of Origin. It sure looked awful for the players on Saturday night, slipping around.

 

[Old Den]

Personally i find this topic a difficult one, after playing alot of footy at an oval that had a cricket wicket on it i am well aware of the hardness that can be encountered. Infact you will find that at local level it is far worse than the Gabba. You would basically stay away from the cricket wicket because you would lose all your skin, sprain your joints and worse break something if driven into the ground.

The Gabba cricket wicket is the best in the world as far as i am concerned. It still moves off the seam on day 1 but has beautiful even bounce allowing both front foot and back foot play hence some of the best exhibitions of batting occur at the gabba, it flattens out for days 2 and 3, then it takes spin on day 4 and 5, it doesn't lose bounce throughout the test match and this is why spinners are dangerous at the gabba. The wicket is the jewel in Australian Cricket's Crown, the gabba trust know that and they will not give it up.

We need to get on with it because there will never be a drop in wicket at the gabba, i am sure every effort is being made to improve the centre area.

I know what you're saying, acuguy and i'm with you to a certain extent - the pundits say these things during the Gabba tests and all of us Queensland cricket buffs get a nice warm fuzzy glow of pride - then we all forget about the marvelous wicket for the next 12 months until the next Test

I'm just concerned about the intransigence of the cricket authorities in this matter - the Lions are a major tenant now and they deserve to be given every consideration - for example,why not try a variation of lionbear's suggestion and drop in one pitch especially for a test one year and see how it goes,given an honest trial with the preparation - I'm sure there are are other things that an innovative approach might try that just might work,instead of stubborn refusal to budge

 

[lionbear]

I meant to say, the night before or morning of the game. I thought mud may be better for injuries than a hard pitch as they are saying. I don't understand the whole thing really. I would hate to have the ground like Telstra Stadium after the State of Origin. It sure looked awful for the players on Saturday night, slipping around.

The thing with a watered pitch is it ends up looking like what the Gabba did in round 2 against Collingwood (I know it would not be on the same scale as there was alot of rain prior to the game). Wicket areas get tacky if you water them and become more of an issue.

I think this is one issue that has no easy answer basically every option has negatives, it will be interesting to see what happens in the next five years.

 

[lionbear]

why not try a variation of lionbear's suggestion and drop in one pitch especially for a test one year and see how it goes,given an honest trial with the preparation

I think we play enough 1st class games to try a drop in pitch with one of them instead of the main event for sure. I can only see positives.

If it doesn't work the cricket board can keep working at it over the next few years and get it to a point where they can use a drop in pitch for Test match cricket and get rid of the square.

If it does work we can look after players welfare which I think is the main argument here.

Good call Old Den

 

[triplemac]

I wonder who plays more games there each year, cricket or AFL? I wonder if this is a part of the problem, we only play 11 or 12 days a season there, if we are lucky more with finals. Cricket has Australian tests, one days and 20/20Also their is the Queensland days of cricket as well.

 

[lionbear]

I wonder who plays more games there each year, cricket or AFL? I wonder if this is a part of the problem, we only play 11 or 12 days a season there, if we are lucky more with finals. Cricket has Australian tests, one days and 20/20Also their is the Queensland days of cricket as well.

Cricket has alot more days of play there then the Footy.

Rough Estimate
AFL 11 home games.

Cricket 5 to 7 Pura Cup, 5 to 7 Ford Ranger cup, 1 International Test, 3 one international one dayers.

So roughly I would say 11 days of AFL to 35 days of cricket.

It's the size of the crowd though that is the difference.

 

[Old Den]

I wonder who plays more games there each year, cricket or AFL? I wonder if this is a part of the problem, we only play 11 or 12 days a season there, if we are lucky more with finals. Cricket has Australian tests, one days and 20/20Also their is the Queensland days of cricket as well.

I'll say again that it all comes down to a deserved pride in the Test pitches - 5 days(if it doesn't rain ) each year - one cricket match to a minimum of 11 games of football - Pura Cup finals and Sheffield Shield finals at the Gabba have seen the Queensland boys happy to sit on the splice on dead pitches and be happy with the draw, which as the home team will count as the win in the final

Nobody,to my knowledge,is unhappy with the MCG drop in pitches for domestic games or the One day Internationals,or even the Tests - I'm confident that someone will tell me if I am not right about this

 

[Tassie4ever]

Two relevant words re the centre Gabba square- SHAUN RENN!!!!!!!!!!

I accept that there will never be a drop-in pitch at the Gabba while ARL remains No. 1 in Queensland [if the Broncos played at the Gabba there would be a drop-in pitch by tonight or tomorrow latest] but can someone with a knowledge of pitch preparation explain why the centre square is, to my unskilled eye at least, rolled and mowed DURING THE MIDDLE OF WINTER- ie when there is no cricket that I have noticed at any rate.

In short, does a centre square area need to be kept under preparation all year round?

 

[Hollow Knight]

putting tax payers money into stadium development generally into QLD I think that it is very unfair to single her out over this issue.

I haven't singled her out on this issue.

The shit she spouted during the Palm Island fiasco confirmed her idiocy long before this issue came up.

Won't elaborate further or the thread will be derailed completely.

Why would they anyway when the majority of their electorate are not AFL supporters, except in passing, but hardcore cricket supporters.

Not a fan of poll driven politicians myself. I prefer my elected officials to make the right decisions, not necessarily the most popular one.

 

[brisbanelioness]

In short, does a centre square area need to be kept under preparation all year round?

Yep, and it's affecting our training too. Refer to the photo below that I took at training last week. The sign reads, "Keep Off! Wet Wicket Block" We may only 'play' 11 days a year at the Gabba but as MAJOR tenants we train there all the time, yet we cannot practise on or use the entire ground. This is ludicrous, completely unprofessional and it seriously disadvantages the Lions. Other clubs don't have to significantly alter or modify their game preparation. Why should we? This concern is just another that should be added to the more serious implications of player injury, etc.

 

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

Drop in pitches are ordinary, one year they might provide a good contest, the next the pitch will be as low and slow as pitches found on the sub-continent.

Have a look at the Victorian cricket reps from the last 10 years, hardly anyone of note apart from Warne. Many believe this is due to the fact Victorian players have to play on poor pitches that don't bounce. THis is turn impacts on both the form and technique of bowlers and batsmen.

THe Gabba wicket should never be a drop-in pitch. There are many grounds around the country with pitches that are use for AFL games. This has been happening for many years, most players seem to be able to cope, if not, im sure the wicket can be watered to promote grass growth. In this instance, i really get annoyed with the Lions harping on about the issue, sure make a point, but surely they have to realise that the Gabba is primarily a cricket ground. Im sure everything is being done to increase the suppleness of the wicket and make it easier on the players. But demanding the pitch be dug up is arrogrant on the Lions part, and in the past this has been a trait that the club administraitors seem to excel in.

 

[acuguy]

The fact we train on the ground we play at is a major advantage as far as i am concerned. Most Melbourne clubs don't get the opportunity to regularly train at the G or the Dome, they have to train at their suburban club ground. Ask the North, Melbourne and Saints boys where they would rather train?

 

[kimp]

Of course the Lions have to put themselves first and that's the administration's role and responsibility. If there is an injury then if they hadn't brought this to everyone's attention knowing that there is a problem then they could (and should) be held responsible.

I'd like a breakdown of incomes from each sport. Once I know that I'll be happy to discuss this further.

 

[Cousin Jed]

But demanding the pitch be dug up is arrogrant on the Lions part, and in the past this has been a trait that the club administraitors seem to excel in.

One man's arrogant is another man's doing what is in the best interests of the club.

 

[acuguy]

In a perfect world the Lions would have there own home ground that they ran. But it isn't a perfect world and the gabba has decided to keep its centre wicket, what we need to be putting energy into is improving the centre wicket area during the footy season.

 

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

One man's arrogant is another man's doing what is in the best interests of the club.

The Lions administrators have a history of trying to do what is "best for the club" but in turn inadvertently harming the club in terms of reputation and on-field results.

The Gabba wicket is INTERNATIONALLY known for its pitch characterstics, making it in many people's opinion, the best cricket wicket in the world.

Many international supporters of cricket would no doubt look forward to watching the Gabba test, many teams like to play on it, as it provides, true bounce, seem and swing, as well as spin. All the elements of cricket are provided to ensure an entertaining contest.

If the Gabba wicket was to be replaced with a drop in variety then there would be international disappointment. Some would ask if AFL should take precedence over an international game which is enshrined heavily in England's and Australian relations.

Sure the Lions are concerned for their players, my point is, im sure many past players have played on grounds when wickets have been used in the summer, many local footballes have to do the same. Im sure the Lions can find a compromise to get the wicket softer under foot for the players. But demanding that the pitch be dug up and replaced is arrogrant and selfish when so many people around the world are interested in the Gabba test match.

If you dig the wicket up you will lose the famous Gabba characteristics, is 11 games of AFL worth digging up a world famous pitch? There is also national domestic cricket played at the Gabba, over 30 days worth. As mentioned, is it worth digging up the wicket and forfeiting all the skills playing cricket on the Gabba requires.

Im sure Kevin Mitchell Juniour is trying to get the wicket as supple as possible, but no doubt the Queensland weather is always going to be fighting against him. But by the same token, no-one likes whingers, sure make a point, but screaming in the papers will achieve next to nothing, the only thing it will do is piss people off that have a say in the matter, and as history has shown, this method often doesn't mean the person pissing people off gets what he/she wants. Those who ignore history are inclined to repeat it.

 

[acuguy]

The Gabba wicket is fast becoming the new Troy Selwood of the Brisbane Lions Forum!

 

[OzBomber]

I'm conflicted on this issue.

Gabba pitches have historically been close to perfect, giving both batters and bowlers something to work with in equal share.

A drop in pitch would ruin this.

A drop in pitch would make it like the MCG.

We don't want 2 shit pitches now do we?

 

[Old Den]

The Gabba wicket is INTERNATIONALLY known for its pitch characterstics, making it in many people's opinion, the best cricket wicket in the world.

If the Gabba wicket was to be replaced with a drop in variety then there would be international disappointment. Some would ask if AFL should take precedence over an international game which is enshrined heavily in England's and Australian relations.

So the MCG management and Cricket Australia are quite happy with the portable wicket and so are the powers that be at Lords but some say the two greatest cricket grounds in the world have done the wrong thing - no doubt these opinions influenced by the "pundits" - and certainly not let's have the footy take precedence over the cricket - far better to equally share the ground and be friends

www.mcg.org.au/The MCG Stadium/Portable Cricket Pitches/The Story So Far.aspx

Well, I have been watching Test cricket since the badly rain affected match at the Gabba in 1946 and loved watching Don Bradman make 187 on a shirt front lifeless wicket at the start of the game and then see England struggle on in both innings on "sticky"pitches after 2 thunderstorms - no covers in Test matches in those days or lovely "best wicket in the world" scenarios - compare that with the "spinners paradise" wickets in England in 1956 that Jim Laker and Tony Lock loved so much - which didn't apply to Lords by the way - Test cricket just kept on going just like it did after the bodyline series and for a long time before that

I think that somehow cricket lovers all around the world could take a Gabba drop in pitch in their stride and the cultural ties between England and Australia wouldn't even blink - I still love watching Test cricket at the MCG and at the Adelaide Oval which has always been a batsman's wicket that doesn't do much for spinners but still had that great test match where Ken Mackay and Lindsay Kline batted for 2 hours in a 10th wicket partnership to save the game v the West Indies

Also who is to say that a drop in wicket would be an unmitigated disaster - the Gabba is the only sub tropical test venue in Australia with very high humidity for the tests and technology could keep improving portable wickets

All this without even touching on the safety factor for the footballers

 

[The Flying Belgian]

If you dig the wicket up you will lose the famous Gabba characteristics, is 11 games of AFL worth digging up a world famous pitch? There is also national domestic cricket played at the Gabba, over 30 days worth. As mentioned, is it worth digging up the wicket and forfeiting all the skills playing cricket on the Gabba requires.

Im sure Kevin Mitchell Juniour is trying to get the wicket as supple as possible, but no doubt the Queensland weather is always going to be fighting against him. But by the same token, no-one likes whingers, sure make a point, but screaming in the papers will achieve next to nothing, the only thing it will do is piss people off that have a say in the matter, and as history has shown, this method often doesn't mean the person pissing people off gets what he/she wants. Those who ignore history are inclined to repeat it.

The centre pitch was dug up and taken away when the ground was "refurbished" for the 200 Olympics. Did this alter the state of the wicket, and if so, has it been the same as it was in the past?

I'm still on the fence on this one. But I think pressure is being applied to the wrong party. It's the AFL who should be targetted. Apparently the wicket meets AFL requirements, so it's them we should be campaigning. But given their history on Telstra Dome and Homebush, I don't like the chances.

 

[Cousin Jed]

The Lions administrators have a history of trying to do what is "best for the club" but in turn inadvertently harming the club in terms of reputation and on-field results.

The Gabba wicket is INTERNATIONALLY known for its pitch characterstics, making it in many people's opinion, the best cricket wicket in the world.

Many international supporters of cricket would no doubt look forward to watching the Gabba test, many teams like to play on it, as it provides, true bounce, seem and swing, as well as spin. All the elements of cricket are provided to ensure an entertaining contest.

If the Gabba wicket was to be replaced with a drop in variety then there would be international disappointment. Some would ask if AFL should take precedence over an international game which is enshrined heavily in England's and Australian relations.

Sure the Lions are concerned for their players, my point is, im sure many past players have played on grounds when wickets have been used in the summer, many local footballes have to do the same. Im sure the Lions can find a compromise to get the wicket softer under foot for the players. But demanding that the pitch be dug up and replaced is arrogrant and selfish when so many people around the world are interested in the Gabba test match.

If you dig the wicket up you will lose the famous Gabba characteristics, is 11 games of AFL worth digging up a world famous pitch? There is also national domestic cricket played at the Gabba, over 30 days worth. As mentioned, is it worth digging up the wicket and forfeiting all the skills playing cricket on the Gabba requires.

Im sure Kevin Mitchell Juniour is trying to get the wicket as supple as possible, but no doubt the Queensland weather is always going to be fighting against him. But by the same token, no-one likes whingers, sure make a point, but screaming in the papers will achieve next to nothing, the only thing it will do is piss people off that have a say in the matter, and as history has shown, this method often doesn't mean the person pissing people off gets what he/she wants. Those who ignore history are inclined to repeat it.

Well there's alot of hyperbole in this but I'll try and reply. As can be seen by my active presence on the cricket board, I love my cricket. And I know that the chances of there being a drop in pitch any time soon are next to nil.

But you are honestly having a crack at the Lions for daring to stick up for their own interests? For saying, hey some of our best players are getting injured by this thing? Some of our best players are going to have their careers shortened, and someone may suffer a serious injury?

Then to compare a 15million dollar operation to that of a park football side? please.

 

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

Which Lions players have been injured by the hardness of the pitch?

The MCG wicket is awful, i would rather watch a game of cricket at any other ground other then the MCG due plainly to the low and slow pitch.

The only thing saving the MCG is the fact that the Boxing Day test is such a drawcard otherwise id suggest that the takings would be down.

Can the Gabba afford to risk having a crap pitch? No it cannot. Having a drop in wicket means the pitch will lose its character, the whole square would have to come out, that is 6 or 7 pitches. The MCG is such an iconic ground that it can afford to have drop in wickets as they will still draw a crowd, also, it is obviously the main home of AFL.

The Gabba doesn't have the history of the MCG or Lords, or the iconic value of these 2 grounds. If the Gabba were to lose the ptich, which it is know for, then it will impact on a lot of people, the problem is the root structure will be lost which is fundamental to keeping a pitch in tact, digging the wicket up year after year, will destroy this base and make the pitch lifeless and slow. Cricket cannot afford to have shit pitches at the moment, a bit more thought on the issue is needed. As i have said, the Lions bleating in the public will not achieve anything, the only thing it will do is piss off the people who can make a difference. Not a wise move.

 

[Old Den]

Which Lions players have been injured by the hardness of the pitch?

The MCG wicket is awful, i would rather watch a game of cricket at any other ground other then the MCG due plainly to the low and slow pitch.

The only thing saving the MCG is the fact that the Boxing Day test is such a drawcard otherwise id suggest that the takings would be down.

Can the Gabba afford to risk having a crap pitch? No it cannot. Having a drop in wicket means the pitch will lose its character, the whole square would have to come out, that is 6 or 7 pitches. The MCG is such an iconic ground that it can afford to have drop in wickets as they will still draw a crowd, also, it is obviously the main home of AFL.

The Gabba doesn't have the history of the MCG or Lords, or the iconic value of these 2 grounds. If the Gabba were to lose the ptich, which it is know for, then it will impact on a lot of people, the problem is the root structure will be lost which is fundamental to keeping a pitch in tact, digging the wicket up year after year, will destroy this base and make the pitch lifeless and slow. Cricket cannot afford to have shit pitches at the moment, a bit more thought on the issue is needed. As i have said, the Lions bleating in the public will not achieve anything, the only thing it will do is piss off the people who can make a difference. Not a wise move.

If the people who can make a difference are some of those saying there will never be a drop in wicket at the Gabba;saying nothing is just as unwise,because instead of being pissed off,they will just file it away and forget it

Apart from safety,I mean,cricketers don't slam each other into the pitch,no matter how much they might like to at times,my only point is that this supposedly wonderful wicket can be as dead as a doornail for a Pura Cup final - It's all in the preparation - there is such a thing as a grassy pitch that can liven the action up if that is what is wanted and there can be advances in wicket preparation - that skill will probably be improved

The game is bigger than any pitch - how about the wicket at St Johns where Brian Lara set the highest individual score - TWICE - now there is a slow and low wicket - Test cricket has been played on many different pitches and in many different conditions and can produce its enthralling episodes ANYWHERE - In the Gabba's case it was the first tied Test - nobody gave a stuff about the wicket that day

But while the view is held and upheld that the Gabba wicket - the Test one,not the Pura Cup final one,is kind of sacrosanct,then our footy team will have to play its home games on a second rate surface that may cause career ending or career shortening injuries to footballers

I can say no more - over and out

 

[LIONS then DAYLIGHT]

Mate lets agree to disagree. It is hard to dance on a crocked floor. That is the issue facing the MCG at the moment, all the prepartion in the world will not make the pitch in terms of its ability to produce a fair contest between bat and ball. As a consquence, Victoria is near bare of quality cricketers who can represent Australia in test cricket, why?, because the pitches they play on do not foster the skills required to succeed at the highest level.

Digging up the ptich is not as simple as it sounds, it effects a lot of people, and it is not something Queensland Cricket will do at the drop of the hat. The pitch is their main claim to fame in terms of attracting games at the Gabba,when Cricket Australia scheldues high rating games at the Gabba you can bet its because the pitch will provide a good contest.

My point is, surely the ptich can be watered to promote grass growth, at this stage im sure Mitchell Jnr is doing everything he can, but people coming out and DEMANDING the pitch be dug up is not going to do anyone favours, it is just going to put noses out of joint and make any possible compromise in the future harder to achieve.