Gabba fire alarm prompts evacuation ahead of second Ashes Test
A fire alarm triggered an unexpected evacuation at The Gabba on Wednesday afternoon, briefly halting preparations for the second Ashes Test and forcing media and staff out onto Vulture Street as fire crews attended the stadium, reports BritPanorama.
The incident, occurring on the eve of a match critical for England’s hopes of keeping their series victory aspirations alive, saw journalists and television crews moved from the building after alarms sounded. Emergency services arrived promptly to investigate the cause.
Stadiums Queensland later confirmed that the disruption resulted from a smoke detector activation in an outdoor kitchen area. Staff and media were allowed back inside once the venue was declared safe.
Fortunately, neither England nor Australia was significantly impacted, as both teams had completed their net sessions earlier in the day. A spokesperson stated, “The Gabba was briefly evacuated this afternoon after a smoke detector outside a kitchen was activated. QFES attended per normal protocols. The activated location was inspected by QFES, and the venue was cleared to return to normal operation.”
In the midst of preparations, Australia’s Pat Cummins was seen assessing the pitch, raising expectations for his return after missing the opening Test due to a back injury. His teammate, Steve Smith, expressed cautious optimism about Cummins’ readiness, stating, “He’s looked pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets.”
Smith noted, “Obviously, games are a different intensity. But he’s tracking really nicely; he knows his body well. We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s close.” Australia’s final team selection will be delayed until the toss on Thursday, with discussions about whether to field five seamers or push for Cummins’ inclusion over Nathan Lyon.
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, acknowledged Australia’s formidable history at The Gabba, where England has not won since 1986. However, he remained resolute in his team’s approach, asserting, “Whatever XI they go with – if Pat’s there, if Pat’s not – we’ll still be going in there to try and get the win too.”
As the anticipation builds for the Ashes clash, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how easily interruptions can occur, even in the midst of the tension that encapsulates this storied rivalry.
