Australia is renowned for producing bowling-friendly pitches that cater to its tall pacers. The combination of long boundaries and seaming conditions provides an added edge to their fast bowlers, allowing them to dominate opposition batting lineups.
The Gabba in Brisbane exemplifies these characteristics. Famous for its extra pace and bounce, it has consistently been a paradise for bowlers, often yielding memorable performances over the years. While spinners typically find less assistance at the Gabba, legends like Shane Warne and Nathan Lyon have defied the odds. Warne leads as the highest wicket-taker at the venue, with Lyon not far behind, holding the third spot in the list.
5. Shamar Joseph – 7/68 vs Australia, 2024
Shamar Joseph delivered one of the finest bowling performances in West Indies cricket history during their stunning victory over Australia in 2024 at the Gabba in a day-night Test. Defending a modest target of 216 in the fourth innings, Joseph ripped through the Australian batting lineup, claiming 7/68 in just 12 overs. Remarkably, he bowled with a toe injury, making his effort even more extraordinary. Joseph was named Player of the Match for his heroic spell.
4. Keith Miller – 7/60 vs England, 1946
Keith Miller, one of Australia’s greatest all-rounders, showcased his brilliance with the ball in the first Test of the 1946-47 Ashes series at Brisbane. After Australia posted a mammoth 645 in their first innings, Miller’s exceptional figures of 7/60 skittled England for 141 in their first innings. Australia secured a commanding win by an innings and 332 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
3. Shane Warne – 7/23 vs Pakistan, 1995
The legendary Shane Warne displayed his unmatched spin bowling mastery against Pakistan in 1995 at the Gabba. He delivered a mesmerizing spell of 7/23, dismantling Pakistan’s batting order and restricting them to just 97 runs in their first innings. Warne finished the match with 11 wickets as Australia triumphed by an innings and 126 runs. He was deservedly named Player of the Match.
2. Shane Warne – 8/71 vs England, 1994
Warne’s career-best figures of 8/71 came against England at the Gabba during the 1994 Ashes. On a relatively good batting pitch, Warne produced a magical spell in the second innings, demolishing England’s lineup and bundling them out for 323. Australia went on to win the Test by 184 runs, with Warne being awarded Player of the Match for his incredible performance.
1. Sir Richard Hadlee – 9/52 vs Australia, 1985
Sir Richard Hadlee etched his name in history with a phenomenal performance against Australia at the Gabba in 1985. His 9/52 remains the best bowling figures in an innings at this venue in Test cricket. Hadlee’s extraordinary effort bowled out Australia for 179 in their first innings. He ended the match with match figures of 15/123, leading New Zealand to an emphatic innings and 41-run victory. Hadlee’s heroics earned him the Player of the Match award.