“Vulture St. One way,” reads the sign just outside the Gabba: apt, really, given how England’s carcass has been picked over relentlessly at this venue down the years. What a record they have in Brisbane, their last defeat here coming so long ago the present groundsman’s father, Kevin Mitchell Sr, was in charge. Since Kevin Jr has had the keys to the mower — 27 years and counting — Australia have never lost a Test. This is Mitchell’s last hurrah and he will not want to produce a bland pitch as his parting gift. He arrived at the Gabba a figure of fun (“he bowls…

Source: The Times November 20, 2017 00:05 UTC