Root Shares Mixed Views on Floodlit Test Games Before Pivotal Ashes Showdown

Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining down under, yet when the former captain faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded before England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement 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 don’t mind it. In my opinion it’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his debut such match against West Indies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their top batsman would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, 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.

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

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would be all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”