Shield match reduced to three days due to Brisbane floods

Organisers have abandoned the first day of play in the Marsh Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and South Australia at the Gabba due to Brisbane's floods.

The match was scheduled to begin on Wednesday but Cricket Australia, Queensland Cricket and Stadiums Queensland agreed play on the first day would not be possible.

With the Redbacks already facing a tight turnaround for their Marsh One-Day Cup match in Sydney on March 8, the Shield game will now be a three-day contest starting on Thursday, with extended hours for the remainder of the match.

"Considering the amount of rain that has fallen, Dave (Sandurski, Gabba curator) and his team have done amazing things to have a venue potentially ready to play," Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson said.

There is an improved forecast in Brisbane this week after torrential rain caused extensive damage across south-east Queensland.

South Australia delayed their departure from Adelaide and will instead fly out on Wednesday.

The match is the fifth-placed Bulls' penultimate game of the Shield campaign ahead of a clash with Tasmania in Hobart from March 23.

The Redbacks are last on the ladder without a win from their six matches.

"Given the current circumstances in Queensland, we fully support that the health and safety of all involved must be the top priority here," said Redbacks coach Jason Gillespie.

"We acknowledge that this is an extremely difficult time for so many people around Queensland, and our thoughts remain firmly with all who are currently facing the effects of this crisis.

"We respect the decision of Cricket Australia to delay the start of the match and thank the Gabba grounds staff for their terrific efforts and hard work in preparing the venue this week."