🔗 Share this article

It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining down under, but when the former captain faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of preparing for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and despite a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their top batsman could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century if another rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, then, at a ground where the visitors have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we succeed here.”