Curious cricketers at the Gabba had been keen indeed to see how the new and improved Kookaburra pink ball played under the lights in Brisbane, home of the day-night Test against Pakistan in mid-December. Australian captain Steve Smith was one of the drivers of the fixture to ensure his team arrived closer to Christmas with some idea of what to expect. Ryan Harris has been among those that have tipped the Gabba Test to be a nightmare, with the pink ball hooping around in air thick as pea soup in the summer humidity. But this week, players have noted the lack of swing in the air and limited zip off the pitch, even with a higher seam on the ball courtesy of the new design. Brisbane's Test may not be over in two days after all.

Bending the back

Much of the focus at the Gabba was on whether Joe Burns could put pressure on Shaun Marsh for the opening spot, which he did with his fine 129. But Test quicks Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were both under the glare of Darren Lehmann, especially Starc as he played his first game back from a leg injury that saw him cop a nasty cut during a fielding mishap. He wasn't allowed to dive but made his way through 19 overs. Hazlewood, meanwhile, looked in good shape ahead of his date with the Proteas, toiling hard all day to end up with 4-70.

Still keeping on

One of the forgotten men of Australian cricket, Callum Ferguson, was back in the runs for South Australia in their match against WA in Perth. Ferguson and Travis Head were at the vanguard of the Redbacks' fightback after they were at 2-3 in pursuit of WA's 9-271D. Ferguson was eventually out for 127, with the 31-year-old reminding selectors he may be of some use throughout the summer, especially in the shorter forms of the game.

Tassie treacle

After rain marred the opening session of the day at the MCG, Tasmania quickly wrapped up proceedings in Victoria's first innings upon the resumption, bowling the Bushrangers out for 415. But any hope that such briskness would be repeated with the bat was badly misplaced. The Tigers batted for 50 minutes before the dinner break, crawling to 1-5 in 10 overs as Peter Siddle and Chris Tremain kept things extraordinarily tight. It was more of the same after the interval. The Tigers were 1-6 in the 14th over when a Beau Webster single off Tremain drew massive ironic applause from a group of fans in the MCC Members stand. Really, you've got to hand it to anyone who comes to a damp, chilly MCG on an October Wednesday night for a Shield fixture.

Chris Tremain seats down another dot ball for Victoria. Photo: Getty Images

White in the wars

It wasn't the easiest of days for Victorian veteran Cameron White, who was brought to his knees on two separate occasions. Firstly while batting he copped a short Jackson Bird ball to his midriff. Clearly in discomfort, he was slow to get to his feet, departing not long after for 64. Then in the evening he stopped a half-volley in the slips cordon after an edge from Ben Dunk had fallen short. The combination of pink leather clattering into chilly hands didn't agree with the former skipper, who again grimaced.

Bird man

Bird is far from the most fashionable Australian quick but the selectors could do a lot worse than pick him for the Perth Test. He worked the ball well in overcast conditions to finish with 3-75 from 30 overs, throwing down the gauntlet to his Test spot rival Peter Siddle, who was at the non-striker's end as Bird claimed his third scalp – dismissing Daniel Christian.