New Test deal for Gabba announced
Brisbane's iconic Gabba. (Getty-file)
In unwelcome news for Australia's touring opponents, the Gabba will host a Test for at least the next three summers.
Cricket Australia has announced a deal to play a Test at the Brisbane venue until the end of the 2018-19 summer, as well as a one-day international or Twenty20 international each season for the next three years.
Australia hasn't lost a Test at the Gabba since 1988, a record that has earned the venue the nickname "The Gabbatoir" for touring teams.
The deal will start with the summer's already announced day-night Test against Pakistan in December - the first day-night Test at the venue.
It will then include an Ashes Test in the 2017-18 summer and one more Test in the 2018-19 campaign.
"Australia's record at the Gabba has been exceptional and the fact we remain undefeated at the Gabba since 1988 underlines that record," Cricket Australia high performance manager Pat Howard said.
"As a consequence the Australian players always look forward to a Gabba Test.
"The first Gabba day-night Test will be a wonderful occasion.
"We are all excited to see what it will be like to play in front of what is expected to be a massive Gabba crowd."
Tickets for this summer's international cricket matches, including Brisbane's day-night Test against Pakistan, go on sale on Tuesday.
