Root Expresses Dual Opinions on Pink-Ball Test Cricket Ahead of Key Ashes Showdown
It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.
“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive track record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.
“Ultimately, 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. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”
Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Suffers
Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has played each of the seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and although a hundred in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.
On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered 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 deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.
Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I believe I will return to form.”
England's Challenges and Preparations
Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—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 contributions by their top batsman could aid them recover from their own mistakes.
This may not require a century if another rapid shootout unfolds, yet Root's absence 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 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 providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.
Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.
However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a Test for decades.
“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win here.”