Overview
- England confirmed no Perth Test players will face the Prime Minister’s XI, opting to fly directly to Brisbane for day-night preparations with Australia leading the series 1-0.
- Former Australia pacer Peter Siddle backed the call, arguing Manuka Oval offers little relevance to Gabba conditions and warning England’s brisk batting has strained fast-bowling recovery.
- Gabba curator Dave Sandurski said heat will speed up surface drying, so extra moisture is being retained to sustain a balanced five-day pitch.
- A recent Sheffield Shield pink-ball match at the Gabba finished inside three days, giving curators more prep time, with players noting the ball moves more at twilight and that wickets can fall in clusters.
- England’s pink-ball record lags Australia’s, with seven played and two wins versus Australia’s 13 wins from 14, and England have not won a Test at the Gabba since 1986.