🔗 Share this article

Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, with them missing last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach to slip in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a ground where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

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