🔗 Share this article

Rarely for an England player is accused of complaining down under, yet when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied before England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly highly popular and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and despite a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for 27—career-best figures 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 of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach the slips in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are decent, 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 should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, then, at a ground where the visitors have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would be all the sweeter if we win here.”