🔗 Share this article

It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied before England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out it will happen. 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 the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and we just need we outperform our opponents at it.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his debut outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that may not reach to slip back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century should there be rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where England have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we win at this ground.”