Curator says green top ‘possible’ again for Ashes opener at the Gabba

BRISBANE - Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell has said that it is quite possible to create a green top agains for the first Ashes Test against England, which begins from November 25.

He was speaking after Queensland suffered an humiliating Sheffield Shield loss on Monday.

Queensland lost 18-131 within two sessions on Monday as a Mark Cameron-inspired New South Wales romped to victory by an innings and 91 runs.

Under overcast skies, the Bulls were bowled out for 75 and then 96, marking the first time they had been dismissed for under 100 in both innings of a first-class match.

Mitchell said he was aiming for a typical bouncy Gabba pitch for the Ashes opener from November 25 but it would depend on weather conditions during the preparation and, of course, during the Test.

Asked if Australia and England should be wary of a similar juicy deck to the Shield clash, Mitchell said: “Anything is possible”.

“If there are some cloudy and humid days (during the preparation) then the moisture will stay in the wicket and the grass will continue to grow - that’s what happens in the tropics,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.

He added: “So it (repeat of the Shield minefield) would be something that could possibly happen.” (ANI)