QFWP's First Test Cricket Report - Australia v England (The Ashes)

[QF WP]

Well, another year and another Test Series is almost upon us (starts Thursday 23rd Nov)- this time against the inaugural enemy of Australia, the English (Poms) for perhaps the most august trophy in the cricketing world (The Ashes). As usual, I shall be slumming it in the Cricketers Club with my father, uncle and clients. As is also the norm, the first 2 days is Members Only, but day 3 (Saturday) commence the ability to bring guests (as I will again this year, one of my top clients who isn't a member).

So, there will be photos of the QCC (newly refurblished), the hallowed turf of the pitch and grounds (via both our window seat at lunch and our outdoor seat in the afternoons) and our lunch (menus, entrees, mains and desserts) plus the occasional obligatory selfie (perhaps with some famous people).

Also, there will be one sad retirement at the end of the match, of arguably the Gabba's finest groundsman - Kevin Mitchell Jnr, a 30 year veteran of producing a wicket that in the majority of Tests, produces a result and in the vast majority of cases, doesn't go to Day 5.

This TR will go live on Thursday, but in the interim ask any questions beforehand.

Personally, I'm really disappointed that Matt Renshaw hasn't been picked (being a parochial Qld'er) but really looking forward to seeing Cameron Bancroft bat, as his recent form is stellar - now to see how he transfers that form to the Test arena.

Darren Lehmann (aka Boof) explains the Test Team:
https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...s/news-story/31497453ee0b776ec420144ef6487025

 

[samh004]

Many an Ashes series I have spent high in the stands of the Gabba watching the action, before some German hospitality at lunch, and a steak for dinner. Alas this year I am just going to have to slum it on the couch with my new 55" TV, because as QF WP knows, I had surgery last week and am still recovering

 

[QF WP]

Is trust membership ship still a good deal at the Gabba ?
Both bro/in laws are/were members, maybe I should check.
We had wonderful seats for aeons as lions members , but ( along with many others) we eventually gave up.
We even had season seats at the Morrison…..memories….

Never been there, so can't comment. Prices are a little lower than the QCC fees although the joining fee is a bit steep. Decent views of course

Ah, the (stagger to/from) The Morrison ...been more than 30 years for me. I was partial to the Beer Garden at the (now gone) Gabba Hotel (or whatever it was called) on the opposite corner from the Ground.

 

[QF WP]

Following on from my first post, here's a short video on Kevin Mitchell:

What will Kevin Mitchell miss about the Gabba? - ESPN Video

 

[QF WP]

Now the first couple of overs are done, time to report.

My view for the next couple of hours:



So in the third over, we get Cook out

 

[QF WP]

QCC Day 1 menu

 

[QF WP]

Lunch drink



Mains:



Entree:

 

[QF WP]

Well the rain had finally gone but none of us understand why it took so long to get play started again.

Back in our seats outside - next to the bar

 

[QF WP]

Prices are a bit higher than last year:

 

[QF WP]

Having to settle for a 150 Lashes

 

[bismarck]

$10 for a lashes is a bit steep!

 

[TomVexille]

$10 for a lashes is a bit steep!

Not sure I like any of those beer options. CC is probably where I'd end up

 

[QF WP]

My view this afternoon. Vince just got his 50 and the Barmy Army finally woke up and broke out into song.

 

[QF WP]

It’s like any other sporting venue. Prices are, as I said, higher but they need to pay for the renovations. Happy to give a couple of $

 

[QF WP]

Now 1/100 and the Barmies woke up again to sing. Lots of swings and misses outside off stump. They’re not good enough to hit them

 

[QF WP]

Finally, a wicket. 2/127

 

[QF WP]

Finally another wicket! Lyon on the run has run out Vince - run out in a Test. How embarrassing.

3/147

 

[QF WP]

Because of the rain delay, we’re going the extra hour until 6pm. Root gone after a DRS challenge. 4/163

 

[QF WP]

Lunch menu Day 2:



Think the Henschke Euphonium will get a run

 

[QF WP]

The view from our seats post lunch



The view at lunch



Not a bad view regardless