England cricket captain Joe Root has expressed reservations about day-night Test matches in the Ashes series while acknowledging his own struggles with the pink ball format ahead of the crucial second Test in Brisbane.
Root Questions Day-Night Ashes Necessity
The Yorkshire batsman didn't hold back when questioned about the inclusion of floodlit Tests in cricket's oldest rivalry. "I personally don't think so," Root stated frankly during England's preparations at the Gabba. While recognising the format's popularity in Australia, where the hosts have won 13 of their 14 day-night Tests, the England skipper questioned whether such innovation was necessary for an Ashes series.
Root elaborated: "It's obviously very successful and popular here, and obviously Australia have got a very good record. You can see why we're playing one of those games. Ultimately, you know from two years out it is going to be there."
Concerning Statistics Reveal Pink Ball Problem
The numbers tell a worrying story for England's premier batsman. Root's career average of 50.9 drops significantly to 38.5 in floodlit Tests, despite having played all seven of England's day-night matches to date. His only century in the format came during his debut pink-ball appearance against West Indies in 2017.
Meanwhile, Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc presents an even more formidable challenge under lights. The left-armer's overall bowling average of 28.97 improves dramatically to 17.08 with the pink ball, while his strike rate drops from 49.9 to 33.3. Starc's recent day-night performances include career-best figures of 6-9 against West Indies in July, followed by 7-58 in Perth.
Critical Battle Looms in Brisbane
The head-to-head confrontation between Root and Starc is emerging as a potentially decisive factor in the series. Although Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled Root more, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of 0 and 8 during the first Test in Perth.
Root analysed his dismissals: "The first was just a good ball; the kind that would likely not carry to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on amid England's second day collapse, was a miscalculation on my part." Despite these setbacks, the England captain remains confident, asserting: "I know I'm a good player. I know I'm going to be able to score runs again."
With England trailing 1-0 in the series, the visitors face additional challenges at a ground where they haven't won a Test match in over forty years. Root sees this as an opportunity, stating: "It is a chance to make a bit of history. It would make it all the sweeter if we get over the line here."
England's preparations have included evening net sessions under lights, with selection decisions looming following Mark Wood's absence due to knee concerns. The inclusion of Will Jacks in main batting groups suggests the all-rounder might feature, though pace bowler Josh Tongue remains an alternative option.
