Stokes wants the gift of the Gabba

BEN Stokes insists his England side hold no fear of the ‘Gabba-toir’, the Brisbane stronghold where so many Ashes dreams have come undone.

- BY RORY DOLLARD

England captain Ben Stokes warms up ahead of a nets session at The Gabba yesterday

(GARETH COPLEY/GETTY IMAGES)

The imposing Queensland venue has long been a trump card for Australia, who revel in its intimidating nickname and history.

England won their first two Tests at the Gabba, in 1933 and 1936, but have only tasted success twice more in 20 attempts.

Since Mike Gatting captained his team to victory in the 1986 series it has been a reliably unhappy hunting ground, featuring moments like Nasser Hussain's doomed decision to bowl first, Steve Harmison’s wayward opening delivery to second slip and Rory Burns’ first-ball dismi: by Mitchell Starc.

Even the draw in 2010/11 - which ended in a second innings run-fest for the tourists - began with a Peter Siddle hat-trick on the first day.