🔗 Share this article

Rarely that an English cricketer gets labeled as complaining down under, but when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied before England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out it will happen. 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 shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and we just need we outperform than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and despite a hundred in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach the slips in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “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 admitted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their top batsman could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred should there be rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England have not won a match for decades.

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