As shown in the table above, Gabba is one of Australia's smaller venues, with a 75m boundary being the longest of the eight major boundaries. Expect bowling strategies to revolve primarily around the one relatively longer side and the team that uses it best to squeeze batters will win the game.
Venue Decoded
Note: All numbers in BBL since 2017 TR - Tournament Rank Things move quickly at the venue, just like in Test matches, whether in terms of runs scored or wickets taken (check Ov 1-6 RPB and Wickets Lost, for ex). And, like SCG and MCG, there are certain trends to be mindful of. The Gabba was one of the highest scoring venues in Australia between 2015 and 2018, but that was followed by a couple of low-scoring years. Since then, there have been obvious signs that the pitches are improving for batting, with the average first-innings score rising back into the 170s. So don't expect a mid-level scoring affair just because it's in the bottom half of the average first innings score stat.Batting conditions could be improving again:
The new ball assistance on offer here may make it difficult for openers to get going, but they must wait their turn and avoid exposing the middle order as well to the venue's two most successful bowling types: new ball pace and wrist spin.Key to success for bowling units at the venue: Using new ball assistance for pace, having wrist spinners in your XI, and improving long boundary defence The bowling type that is most likely to be effective: Wrist spin The bowling type that is most likely to be ineffective: Straight lines raw pace outside powerplay The batting type that is most likely to be effective: Top class middle order batters The batting type that is most likely to be ineffective: Openers and mediocre players of wrist spin
Batting and Bowling Leaders
Only players part of the World Cup have been considered in this section. BattersIn T20s: NoneIn T20Is: David Warner 135 (135/165), Steve Smith 70 (70/135), Glenn Maxwell 47 (23/168)BowlersIn T20s: Mujeeb ur Rahman 17W (25/6.6), Rashid Khan 12W (8/6)In T20Is: Adam Zampa 5W (15/6.3), Mitchell Starc 4W (5/5), Pat Cummins 4W (15/7.6)Note: All numbers since 2017
Match Split
Keep an eye out for the England vs New Zealand match that will be held here. It has all the makings of a potential blockbuster if New Zealand bowl first, as both teams have the bowling resources to take advantage of the conditions. England's batting, on the other hand, is noticeably superior to New Zealand. Capacity: 42000