🔗 Share this article

It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root stated prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century if another quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England have not won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win at this ground.”