England captain Alastair Cook isn’t fazed by Australia’s imposing record in Brisbane, where it remains unbeaten since 1988.
Cook made it clear records were made to be broken as Australia looked to extend their 25-year run.
He compared Australia’s Brisbane achievement to their form at Lord’s where they had not been defeated for 75 years – until they were crushed by 115 runs in 2009.
Australia have now lost their last two Lord’s Tests.
“We have spoken about their record here, not losing in 25 years is obviously a good achievement,” Cook said.
“But we spoke about Lord’s in 2009.
“We made a conscious decision to change that. This side has done that a number of times – when there are challenges ahead of us they have delivered.”
Apart from breaking Australia’s Gabba spirit, Cook said England wanted to celebrate controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen’s 100-Test milestone.
“It’s an outstanding achievement. It shows not only class but longevity. Hopefully we can make it a great occasion,” he said.
And like every one-eyed Australian fan, Cook’s thoughts also turned to public enemy No.1 Stuart Broad.
Branded a cheat for not walking at Trent Bridge this year, Broad is sure to earn the Gabba faithful’s ire – and it seems Cook wouldn’t have it any other way.
“He’s a very combative character. He’s an in your face cricketer. I like that about him,” he said.
AUSTRALIA AND ENGLAND AT THE GABBA
Played 331, Australia 133, England 105, drawn 93
Last played: England 3-0 over Australia in UK
*England have won three series in a row.
The last time England won four consecutive series was between 1884-1890 when they won seven.
At Gabba Played 19, Australia 10, England 4, drawn 5
Last played: First Test, November 25, 2010 England 260 and 1(dec)-517 drew with Australia 481 and 1-107
*Australia haven’t lost a Test at the Gabba since 1988 and haven’t lost an Ashes Test at the venue since 1986.
*Milestones – Kevin Pietersen to play 100th Test for England
Most runs at the Gabba: Australia: Ricky Ponting 464 runs, average 92.80 England: Alastair Cook 356 runs, average 118.66
Most wickets at the Gabba Australia: Glenn McGrath 22 wickets, average 20.09 England: Bob Willis 19 wickets, average 16
Australia’s record in 2013 Played 10, won 1, lost 7, drawn 2 Likely teams:
Australia: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (capt), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon, James Faulkner (likely 12th)
England: Alastair Cook (capt), Michael Carberry, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Chris Tremlett
