Root Shares Mixed Views on Pink-Ball Test Games Ahead of Key Ashes Series Showdown

Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and well-received here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and we just need to be better our opponents at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his first such match against West Indies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that might not carry to slip back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred should there be quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win here.”