The Gabba, Brisbane: Australia's Fortress Ground Explained
The Gabba in Brisbane was Australia's most feared home ground — they had not lost a Test there in 32 years until India's historic win in 2021. Learn the ground's history, its reputation, and that famous 2021 result.
The Gabba (officially the Brisbane Cricket Ground) is Australia's northern Test venue and was, for three decades, their most dominant home fortress. From 1988 to 2021 Australia did not lose a Test match at the Gabba — a run of 32 years that ended in remarkable fashion when India won there on tour in January 2021.
The Gabba as a Fortress
The Gabba favours pace bowling, particularly with the new ball. The pitch traditionally offers pace and bounce — conditions that suit Australian attack leaders like Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc. The ground hosts the first Test of Australian home summers, meaning visitors face the full pace of Australian bowling on a fresh pitch with a maximum 32-degree Brisbane heat factor.
India's 2021 Win
India's 2021 win at the Gabba is one of cricket's great modern upsets. Touring without many of their first-choice players (Kohli, Bumrah, Shami, Ishant all unavailable for this Test), India needed 328 in the 4th innings on day five. Shubman Gill opened with a 91; Cheteshwar Pujara absorbed punishment; Rishabh Pant played a fearless unbeaten 89 to guide India to 329/7 with three overs to spare. It was India's first win at the Gabba since 1977.
Frequently asked questions
When did Australia last lose a Test at the Gabba before 2021?
Australia had not lost a Test at the Gabba since England's win in November 1988 — a 32-year unbeaten streak.
Who hit the winning runs for India at the Gabba in 2021?
Rishabh Pant hit the winning four off a Nathan Lyon delivery to reach the target of 328 with 3 wickets to spare.