Queensland's premier cricket venue will host the first Ashes Test in 2021 and undergo $35m facelift
Gabba set for upgrade, Ashes Test
A $35 million upgrade for the Brisbane Cricket Ground has been backed by confirmation that the First Test of the 2021 Ashes series will be held at the Gabba.
After losing last summer's opener and instead hosting a day-night Test against Sri Lanka at the end of January, Queensland Cricket today welcomed the Queensland Government's announcement that this month's State Budget would include funding to upgrade public, corporate and media facilities in the stadium in time for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Australia 2020.
"Nothing excites Australian cricket fans like an Ashes series on home soil and the upgrades to the Gabba will ensure that in hosting the first Test of the Ashes series in 2021-22, fans in Queensland will get the first opportunity to enjoy world-class cricket while experiencing the upgraded facilities," said Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts.
"We thank the Queensland Government, led by Premier Palaszczuk and Minister de Brenni, for its support and ongoing collaboration to deliver these important improvements ensuring that Cricket continues to unite and inspire Queensland communities."
The Gabba is set to host the first Test of the 2019-20 summer – against Pakistan in November – and in doing so, will realign with recent history; most recently, the venue staged the Ashes opener in 2017-18, attracting 130,665 fans across four days of the Test, with days one through three sold out.
"The Gabba receiving stage one upgrades is fantastic news for Queensland Cricket and all cricket fans across the State," said Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Max Walters.
"Our recent discussions with the State Government on the future of the ground have been extremely positive, and we thank Minister de Brenni for sharing in our vision of ensuring the Gabba remains one of Australia's premier stadiums."
The summer's first Test against Pakistan on November 21 will also mark the first time a Test match has been played for ICC Test Championship points.
Australia's record at the Gabba currently sits at 30 Tests unbeaten since 1988, the longest active streak in world cricket.