The coveted spots on the Pool Deck at the Gabba ground in Brisbane are not the easiest to snag, and cricket fans were seemingly made to spend Day Two of the Ashes in the stalls, despite dressing up in their finest – and smallest – swimming trunks.
Access to the Pool Deck cannot be bought, and the lucky few are allowed in the water by invitation either through a social media post or by turning up at the Gabba in swimwear.
However, as it only holds up to 140 spectators, there were several fans who were unable to cool off, and were left to melt on plastic seats as England played Australia for another day.
Can’t you smuggle us in? Nathan Byrne, Dan ‘Dingo’ Leyden and Jarrod Allen are seen wearing swinning trunks during play on Day 2 of the First Test match between Australia and England at the Gabba in Brisbane
Three young gentlemen wishing to get access to the Pool Deck appeared to have been rejected and were seen walking around in the stands in just their swimming trunks.
However, the trio – comprising Nathan Byrne and Dan ‘Dingo’ Leyden, a finalist and the winner of swimwear company Budgy Smuggler’s ‘dad bod’ pageant Australia’s Most Ordinary Rig, and Jarrod Allen, also known as Tindafella from his popular Instagram page mocking girls on dating app Tinder – were later seen on the Pool Deck.
Others were luckier from the start and could be seen frolicking in the water as the players took to the pitch, but many who were left in the stands chose to be topless or wear shorts to fight the heat.
Cricket fans in the pool during Day 2 of the First Test match between Australia and England at the Gabba in Brisbane
AAP via Press Association Images.Australian fans are seen during Day 2 of the First Test match between Australia and England at the Gabba in Brisbane, Friday, November 24, 2017. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)
Chilling in the sun: The coveted pool deck holds up to 140 spectators and fans are invited by wardens
Thumbs up: English fan Steve Stafford had taken his top off to cool off during Day 2 of the First Test match
Don’t you know who I am? One way to gain entry to the Pool Deck is by wearing beach attire and being selected from the crowd, with under-18s needing a parent or guardian
Cricket is life: Cricket fan Damo Langford is seen during Day 2 of the First Test match between Australia and England
He’s buzzing: Fans had filled up the Gabba to see if Australia would have a chance at reclaiming the Ashes
Queensland win: Cricket fans Michael Hansen, Jono and Scott Headon pose for a photograph during Day 2
One way to gain entry to the Pool Deck is by wearing beach attire and being selected from the crowd, with under-18s needing a parent or guardian.
There is also the selfie route, and punters who are ready for the pool can post their photos to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #cricketpooldeck.
The Pool Deck is built at the bottom of one of the Gabba’s grandstands, with a clear screen separating the pool and the field.
The pool within is only a metre deep, and while some suggested the presence of women in bikinis could prove a distraction to the players, the installation was a huge hit last season.
Budge up mate: The three Budgie Smuggler fans were seen interacting with other fans in the crowd as they walked through the stands during Day Two
Not as it seems: This photo makes it appear as the three gentlemen were unable to get into the Pool Deck
You’ve lost the game: However, the trio – comprising Nathan Byrne and Dan ‘Dingo’ Leyden, a finalist and the winner of ‘dad bod’ pageant Australia’s Most Ordinary Rig, and Jarrod Allen, also known as Tindafella from his popular Instagram page – were later seen on the Pool Deck
Sunshines: Fans from the Sunshine Coast Roxanne Cambridge and Dana Landgren pose for a photograph as they enjoy the pool deck on Day 1 of the First Test match between Australia and England at the Gabba on Thursday
Elsewhere in the stadium, a brawl broke out between Australia fans, with several people trading punches. The fight broke out in a section of the stands where it appeared Australian fans were sitting. Travelling British fans – famously known as the ‘Barmy Army’ – were sitting in another part of the ground.
One of the men involved in the struggle appears to also be trying to avoid spilling his full cup of beer.
Photographs show fans in seats near the men who started brawling getting involved as they try to pull the combatants away from each other.
The opening test match is only in its second day at the Gabba ground in Brisbane but rowdy fans have already begun to turn on each other
Travelling British fans – famously known as the ‘Barmy Army’ – were sitting in another part of the ground