Gabba’s standing crumbles

ADELAIDE is poised to snatch Brisbane’s crown as the launching pad of the Test match summer with the Gabba set to be shunted to a January timeslot.

The likely scenario for Brisbane next summer is that it will host one of two Tests against Sri Lanka in January in a candid sign the ground has slipped into the lower rungs of the Test match pecking order.

Canberra is certain to host the other Sri Lankan Test in what could be the first all daynight Test series.

Canberra’s Manuka Oval has been promised a Test for the first time.

It appears the Gabba will miss out on one of four Tests against India with Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney to seal hosting rights.

Perth’s new 60,000-seat Optus Stadium is set to be launched as a Test match venue with an Indian Test.

There have been whispers that Brisbane will be compensated for the lack of a November Test by hosting South Africa in a 50-over match in that month.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland sent alarm bells ringing in the ears of Queensland Government officials during November’s Ashes Test when he admitted the Gabba has slipped to the No. 5 Test venue in Australia.

He said the massive redevelopment at the Adelaide Oval and Perth’s new stadium meant “we need to understand the bar keeps rising’’.