🔗 Share this article

Rarely that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging in Australia, yet when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest 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 with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a century in his debut outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a hundred should there be rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we win here.”