An overwhelming majority of the 66 Tests at the Gabba have traditionally been played before Christmas. Two of the last four Tests here have been staged in mid-January and Australia have lost both — to India in 2021 and West Indies this year — so it was no surprise that the Aussie players pushed for a return to the pre-Christmas window.

Australia have lost just seven of 61 matches played before Santa comes bearing gifts, and three of five played after the Christmas period. The skew can be attributed to pitches later in the season losing some of their bite and therefore not providing Australia’s tall quicks the same assistance in regard to pace and bounce.