Sydney: Brisbane's Gabba ground will host Test cricket for at least another three years, it was announced Tuesday, in daunting news for teams visiting Australia. Cricket Australia said a deal had been reached to play a Test annually at the venue until the end of the 2018-19 season, as well as a one-day or Twenty20 international each season for the next three years.

Australia has a formidable record at the Gabba, nicknamed the 'Gabbatoir' and known for its heat, fast wicket and unforgiving, partisan crowd. The hosts have not lost a Test at the venue, in Brisbane's Woolloongabba district, since going down to Viv Richards' great West Indies side in 1988.