Root Expresses Conflicted Feelings on Pink-Ball Test Cricket Ahead of Crucial Ashes Series Encounter
It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining down under, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.
“My personal view is no,” Root replied before England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.
“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. 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 matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia in these conditions.”
Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Declines
Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and although a century in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to just over 38 in these games.
Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.
Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome
The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.
Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”
The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations
Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he admitted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.
It might not need a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked whether that record bothered him during the first Test.
Team Selection and Chance for History
The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, held under lights.
Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.
That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where England have not won a match in over 40 years.
“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”