David Sandurski will be the new curator of the Gabba which is scheduled to host the opening Ashes Test between England and Australia. He has been named as the replacement for a long time serving former curator of Gabba, Kevin Mitchell Jnr.
Sandurski, who was a former manager at the Allan Border Field, will return to Brisbane. In the past five years, he has served as the head curator of cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Sandurski will be assisted by Mitchell to prepare the surface for the 1st Test before he steps down from his 27-year-old job. Australia hasn’t lost a Test match at the Gabba when he has been the curator since 1988.
Mitchell had opposed the idea of drop-in pitches in Gabba and Sandurski will be playing the role of balancing cricket with Australian Rules football which is being played in the ground during winter months.
Sandurski expressed his excitement after getting a new role.
“While I expect challenges like getting reacquainted with the warmer climate and humidity, as well as the multi-use nature of the venue, I’m confident my experience will hold me in good stead and I look forward to getting in there and ensuring the Gabba ground remains something to be proud of,” he said.
Max Walters, Chief Executive of Queensland Cricket stated that it was beneficial that Sandurski has previously with Mitchell.
“In that time, he worked closely with Kevin Mitchell Jnr and the Gabba team and so it is pleasing to have that continuity with the venue,” he said.
“Queensland Cricket congratulates Kev again on his wonderful career and contribution to sport in Queensland. We look forward to a successful Test match at the Gabba next month to cap off that career and at the same time, welcome David to the role,” he added.
