Warnie reckons pitch best in world

SHANE Warne has claimed the Gabba boasts the best pitch in the world as pressure mounts on Cricket Australia to bring India to Brisbane next summer.

Australia is seeking to extend its unbeaten streak in Brisbane to 31 years by toppling Pakistan at the Gabba in the first Test of the summer, which started yesterday.

Not since 1988 has Australia lost a Test match at the Gabba, an incredible record not lost on those wearing the baggy green.

But the Gabba is set to miss out on the chance to host a blue-chip Test against India next summer as part of a fourmatch series.

The MCG and SCG are guaranteed the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests in 2020-21, while Brisbane is jostling for a Test with the outstanding Perth and Adelaide venues.

But the Gabba has found an ally in Warne, the Australian spin king who loved bowling on the bouncy green-tinged Brisbane wicket.

“I think this is the best cricket pitch anywhere in the world,” Warne said.

“I think there is a bit in it early for the seamers, it then gets a bit quicker and flattens out a bit, it’s good for batting and spins big and the bounce, a nice even cover of grass, a bit of a green tinge to it, a few little cracks ... all in all it’s a terrific pitch I thought.”

The Australian players would love to kick-off next summer’s series against India in Brisbane. But after winning last summer’s series in Australia 2-1, where the Gabba was overlooked as a host venue, India is keen to avoid a trip to Queensland.

Australian captain Tim Paine said while the hosts loved playing in Brisbane, particularly as the first Test of the summer, it did not guarantee success.