🔗 Share this article

It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and Australia boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in each of the seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and although a hundred in his debut outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach to slip in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century if another quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

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

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we win here.”