MELBOURNE: Finally, we decided to go to Brisbane to see the Australia-India 3rd Test of the Border-Gavaskar Test Series. This was my first trip, to the place so near to the tourist heaven Gold Coast. Me + one flew from Melbourne to Brisbane after breakfast at the airlines lounge , about two hours and a few minutes flight, plus add to this 15 or 20 minutes late start from Melbourne. It was a bit of excitement, early morning yawning and sudden hot weather on disembarkment. Welcome to Brisbane, then the hotel and straight to Gabba, the venue of the Test match, on the second day of the five-days match.
Security check-up was tight with empty water bottles allowed in to be filled inside or buy a water bottle. Off course, beer from the Great Northern Est Brewing Co. Qld seemed to be the popular choice. The costs being for a full beer glass $10.85, Ginger Beer $ 14.85, Wine $12.25, Water $ 5.95, Crisps $ 6.30, and carry tray $ 1.10 respectively. A cost of living crisis looked distant. The crowds seemed to be enjoying cricket, paused occasionally by intermittent rain. The showers were not long but happened again and again. So, one had to pass time talking, mobiling (stimulating with beer) or just wishing the game to restart. An occasional four or six was cheered as the day passed. The official attendance (day-2) was 33, 227, the capacity being 42,000.
I looked at the Bureau of Meteorology site and found Queensland was having a heat wave. At the stadium the humidity was strong and if your seat was not under shade, then the sun was scorching. Luck came of day-3, when the organisers distributed free drinking water in small containers, and colourful ice candy. One is not allowed to beat the Gabba price tag, by buying eatables from outside (a Coles store was nearby). Not sure how many noticed this.
An uber driver told us that on public transport there was a flat rate of only 50 cents (bus, train, tram and ferry services). Why so cheap? He said, ” You know this is all politics”. Anyway, if you used the public transport buses in front of the stadium to go up to the last stop in the city, there was no ticket for Gabba ticket holders. But if you decided to go home early (before the match ended) it could be a lot of waiting.
On the third day while strolling outside saw the match could be seen on big screen while relaxing on a big leather cushion type in the garden, it was the Foxtel match telecast. We decided to have a go and found the space with a cool breeze blowing quite relaxing minus humidity. There were people around, including a senior couple from Mumbai, a young couple from Brisbane among others and a few stalls around with Bollywood music, turban tying and Henna. A Dhol (Double-headed Indian drum) player created the popular sounds of Punjab. So, it was Cricket inside and entertainment outside. For a change not bad.
The Gabba is not as big as the MCG, Melbourne, with a capacity of around 100,000. During the lunch break, it is too crowded in the corridors and congested near the eateries. The queues were long and too time consuming. And, very few places for people to sit and eat. I saw many seniors struggling around for the few chairs and tables. Probably, it would also be advisable to let someone sell healthy food.
On the fourth day, India was 259 for 6 wickets, in the 75th over at stumps. Australia kept the hope for victory was evident as we watched the final overs at the Qantas lounge at the Brisbane airport. Reached home after midnight, enjoying on the way Cottage Cheese & Spinach Samosas by Yummy Karma, pushed down with Billi Billi red wine.
On the last day (fifth), was a pretty rainy day, as predicted, I watched it minus the rain, at home. India were out at 260 and Pat Cummins declared at 89/7. India was batting at 8/0 and the rain gods intervened. The match was abandoned and declared.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG starting 26 December, 2024, with the Series at 1:1, is going to be a sizzler, with temperature predicted by BOM – minimum 21 and maximum 40. Day-1 tickets are sold out. Gearing up.
