A spectator, trying to smuggle a pig into the Gabba on Day One of the Ashes Test here yesterday was charged with animal cruelty. He tried to hoodwink the ground authorities by carrying the pig in a pram until the police nabbed him.

Some spectators believed the pig’s side was inked with the word “Broad” in reference to England pacer Stuart, who had the visitors in trouble yesterday with a five-wicket burst.

At the same ground during the 1982-83 England vs Australia series, fans let loose a pig which had “Botham” and “Eddie” written on its sides during a one-day match.

Eddie was in reference to spinner stocky Hemmings. Four years later, during the 1986-87 Ashes, a pig was seen at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with “Gatting” written on its side.