Juicy at the best of times, the Gabba deck for the second Test may have the Australian pacemen licking their lips more than usual thanks to recent weather.
Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell has delivered a sobering warning to India ahead of the second Test in Brisbane starting on Wednesday, conceding that the bouncy pitch may be greener than usual due to heightened humidity.
The Gabba was initially expected to host the first Test against India a week ago before Phillip Hughes’ tragic passing forced a reshuffle.
In the meantime, thunderstorms and sticky conditions may have added extra sting to the traditionally lively wicket.
Mitchell told AAP he expected it to at least live up to the deck that inspired Australia’s 381-run win over England last season that set up a 5-0 Ashes rout.
Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson was named man of the match after terrorising England, finishing with an overall nine-wicket haul in the first Test last season.
“I’d imagine it would be quite similar to last year,” Mitchell said.
“Given it’s later in the year, there could be a bit more humidity around.
“So maybe a bit of moisture might stay on top a bit longer, so maybe there could be a bit more seam and swing.
“Depends on how great the humidity is – it can get quite steamy this time of year.”
The feared Gabba bounce may also ensure off-spinner Nathan Lyon picks up where he left off from his first Test heroics against India in Adelaide.
Lyon took 12 wickets to spark Australia’s stunning 48-run first Test win in South Australia.
And Lyon has made no secret of his enjoyment of the Gabba deck.
Stats don’t lie – in three Tests he has taken 15 wickets at 21.86.
It is some comfort for Australian selectors as they debate whether to rest injury plagued Queensland quick Ryan Harris for the second Test.
Wet weather may have kept him honest in his pitch preparation but Mitchell did not expect it to interrupt the second Test.
“There’s nothing that looks threatening enough to wash out a whole day,” he said.
“It hasn’t been too much of a setback, because we did put a little bit of work into it before the first Test was scheduled.”
