🔗 Share this article

It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and despite a hundred in his debut outing versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that might not carry the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England'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 humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome 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,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening 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 additional scoring down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”