Joe Root Shares Mixed Opinions on Pink-Ball Test Cricket Before Crucial Ashes Clash

Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining down under, but when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and popular in this country, and Australia have an impressive track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his debut outing versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were dismissed for 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing last week, it was Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record bothered him in Perth.

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, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where the visitors have not won a Test for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root said on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”