After more than three decades maintaining a world-class cricket pitch, Gabba grounds manager Kevin Mitchell Jnr is ready to retire - after one last Ashes Test.
His tenure at the Brisbane stadium began in 1984 when he took the job of assistant curator under his father, Kevin Sr, and has managed the ground for the past 27 years.
He will leave the role after November's Ashes Test with many fond memories of the Gabba, which sees football and cricket clashes throughout the year.
Mr Mitchell's highlights include Queensland's Sheffield Shield win in 1995 and the West Indies' tours in the 1980s.
"In the '80s we had the really good West Indies teams touring with the likes of Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards and the big four fast bowlers and that was an eye-opener for me. I thought what a great place to work," Mr Mitchell said.
"You have to love the job. It's a big part of your life."
The search is on for a new curator but Sport Minister Mick de Brenni says Mr Mitchell will be a hard act to follow.
"To keep producing an absolute world-class deck on a ground that is used all year round, takes a particular talent," he said.
"The impact Kevin has had on Australian and world cricket is simply immeasurable. The next curator will have absolutely huge shoes to fill."
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