England's Joe Root Expresses Dual Views on Day-Night Test Games Before Key Ashes Clash
It's not often for an England player gets labeled as whinging in Australia, yet when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.
“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and Australia have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.
“In the end, you know from two years out it will happen. It’s part of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”
Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip
Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 in these games.
Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.
Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series
The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, it was Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.
Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach to slip back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”
The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations
Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their top batsman could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.
It might not need a century if another rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.
Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity
The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, held under lights.
Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and extra runs down the order might offset any bowling leaks.
That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.
“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”
