WATCHING BRIEF

THE UMPIRES

On-field: Aleem Dar (Pakistan), Marais Erasmus (SA). TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZ). Match referee: Richie Richardson (West Indies).

THE PITCH

Curator Kevin Mitchell Jnr is in his last Test at the Gabba and keen to preserve his 28-year-long unbeaten Test record. There was grass on the pitch yesterday but do not be deceived and ‘do a Nasser’. It should be flat and whoever wins the toss is likely to choose to bat first.

THE WEATHER

Now this is interesting. Showers are ‘possible’ every day and there is a 90 per cent chance of rain on the fourth and fifth days. England would take a draw, that’s for sure.