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Gabba makes a splash

We don’t like cricket…we love it! Fans take to the swimming pool at The Gabba as Australia take on Pakistan

FANS were treated to cricket's most unique viewing point at the first test match between Australia and Pakistan.

Cricket Australia has installed a 32,000 litre swimming pool at The Gabba in Brisbane, with spectators being randomly selected to enjoy the luxuries it brings.

 Fans enjoy the new swimming pool
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Fans enjoy the new swimming poolCredit: Getty Images
 Cricket Australia hope to bring back fans to The Gabba
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Cricket Australia hope to bring back fans to The GabbaCredit: Getty Images
 Cricket fans watch the game from the pool deck
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Cricket fans watch the game from the pool deckCredit: EPA

It's an attempt from the Baggy Green's governing body to draw fans back to The Gabba, as attendances have dipped in recent times.


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Fans who are lucky enough to be chosen will have the luxury of an unobstructed view through a transparent pool desk.

120 people will be chosen at random, but those expecting to party throughout the match will have to do so without any beer as alcohol is prohibited in the pool itself.

 It is a completely unique opportunity for a cricket fan
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It is a completely unique opportunity for a cricket fanCredit: Getty Images

A spokesperson from Cricket Australia said: "People just wear the best beach attire or swimwear and they will just be chosen at random from among the crowd to come onto the pool deck.

"We will have spotters going around and those with their pool gear, or a Hawaiian shirt or something similar, board shorts, that sort of thing.

"They have the chance of getting onto the pool deck and into the pool."

 The Gabba has a new look to it
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The Gabba has a new look to itCredit: Getty Images
 Spectators are loving the unique view
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Spectators are loving the unique viewCredit: EPA

Stephanie Rice, a former swimmer who won three gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was the main lifeguard on deck.

If you was one of the lucky few to be selected then there was even more to cheer about as they watched their country reach 288/3 by the close of play.

Captain Steve Smith chipped in with 110 runs, whilst Peter Handscomb piled on 64 as he continues to impress adapting for the national side.

Cricket Australia may have taken inspiration from the NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars who have their own swimming pool, where fans can pay thousands of pounds for their own party deck.

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