The Gabba

Opponents England and Australia have teamed up to make Sunday's fifth one-day international at The Gabba a benefit for flood victims

Weary England look for reinforcements after losing series to Australia 2011

Few players have managed any performances of substance in the state cricket they have played, and two days ago their reserve wicketkeeper Tim Paine, himself pushing strongly for a Test spot, broke a finger playing in a hit-and-giggle promotional Twenty20 match at The Gabba, and is out for the duration of the series.

The Ashes 2010: England can count on Australian resistance at Gabba Mike Selvey in Brisbane 2010

Randall highlights the presence of Flower and especially Gooch on this tour as a key reason behind Cook's record‑breaking triumph at The Gabba.

The Ashes 2010: Alastair Cook was a natural at 13, says Derek Randall Andy Wilson 2010

Steve Finn, as the first-change bowler at the age of 21, also faces an exacting Ashes debut at The Gabba.

The Ashes 2010: The knives are out for Australia, admits John Buchanan Donald McRae 2010

There was criticism of his selection from some quarters, who feared for the top order, but Andy Flower, happily back at The Gabba today, has always seen a batsman who could flourish on Australian pitches.

Ashes 2010: Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook lead England comeback Mike Selvey at The Gabba 2010

The tourists must get on top of their nerves if they are to take their chance of winning at The Gabba

The Ashes 2010: History awaits England – but only if they are fearless Duncan Fletcher 2010

And they know that since Len Hutton's 1954-55 England side lost by an innings but won three Tests thereafter, no visiting side has come unstuck at The Gabba and recovered to win the series.

The Ashes 2010: England can count on Australian resistance at Gabba Mike Selvey in Brisbane 2010

It's almost as if England's supporters can't quite believe the change and expect to wake up on Thursday morning and find themselves locked in the same old cricketing nightmare of collapsing at The Gabba.

The Ashes 2010: England are much better than in 2009, says Matt Prior Donald McRae 2010

Through the nervous haze of The Gabba Test four years ago, I remember him encouraging us to "stay in the contest and we'll come out on top" and, above all, enjoy the atmosphere of such a grand occasion.

The Ashes 2010: What Merv Hughes told me about the emu and kangaroo Stuart Clark 2010

Matthew Hayden, another former Australia great, has also been in gung-ho mood in The Australian newspaper as Australia look to defend their 22-year unbeaten record in Tests at The Gabba, Hayden's home ground.

The Ashes 2010: Warne says England made Kevin Pietersen an outcast David Hopps in Brisbane 2010