Welcome to the Gabbatoir, where for the past 29 years Australia have been unbeatable in Test cricket. England will walk through the dark tunnel up from the dressing rooms and out into the middle to be met by harsh sunlight and 40,000 home supporters all willing them to fail.
It is a hostile venue to kick off this Ashes series and one that has seen many a visiting captain over the years drawn in by a hypnotic tinge of green on the surface, only to see their decision blow up in their face. Nasser Hussain doing so in 2002 is probably the most famous example between these two countries but he’s certainly not alone if you look through history.
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