Former New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori conceded that the pitch conditions at the Gabba were tough for batters, but felt the quality of bowlers in Australia and South Africa’s line-up played a big role in the opening Test ending inside two days. The Brisbane pitch received a ‘below average’ rating from the ICC after the hosts won the match by six wickets. 

However, Vettori, who took over as Australia’s assistant coach in May this year, said he had seen “worse” pitches. “Just because of the nature of how good those bowling attacks were they probably embellished it a bit. So, you wouldn’t want to play on it every day, but I think for occasional Test matches it’s not the worst thing,” Vettori said.