Should Ashes have a pink-ball Test? Joe Root questions format
What's the story
Ahead of the much-anticipated Day-Night Ashes Test at The Gabba, England's captain Joe Root has questioned the necessity of pink-ball matches in the series. The 2025-26 Ashes will mark the 25th pink-ball Test overall and fourth in an Ashes series, according to ESPNcricinfo. Despite high demand for tickets, Root expressed his doubts about whether a Day-Night match is really needed for such a prestigious series.
Opinion
Root's perspective on pink-ball Tests
Ahead of the match, Root acknowledged the popularity and success of pink-ball Tests in Australia, but questioned their necessity for a series like the Ashes. He said, "I personally don't think so," when asked about the need for a pink-ball Test in the Ashes. However, he also added that it doesn't mean it shouldn't be here either. His comments came ahead of England's training session at the Gabba on Sunday.
Insight
Root's experience with day-night tests
Having played in all seven of England's previous Day-Night Tests and captained six of them, Root stressed the importance of recognizing "how quickly the game can change" under floodlights. He said, "At different phases of the day, it can feel quite placid, and you can feel out of the game with the ball, and things can turn around." Root emphasized on maximizing good batting conditions while also being ready for changes.
Performance
Record in pink-ball Tests
According to ESPNcricinfo, Australia have won 13 of their 14 Day-Night Tests, losing only to West Indies in 2024. On the other hand, England have lost five of their seven pink-ball fixtures, losing three to Australia. Root highlighted these contrasting records and said, "It is a chance to make a bit of history," adding that it would be sweeter if they could win here.
Information
How Root has fared in D/N Tests
Across 13 pink-ball Test innings, Root has scored 501 runs at an average of 38.53. He has tallied four half-centuries, with his only ton coming against West Indies in 2017.