'Who really cares?': Travis Head on pink-ball Tests
Australian cricketer Travis Head has voiced his support for the Day-Night Test matches. The Aussie dasher, who scored a blistering 123 (83) to win the Ashes series opener for Australia in Perth, said that opinions about such matches differ based on their outcomes. "If you win, you think it's great. If you lose, maybe not," he said ahead of the pink-ball Test scheduled at The Gabba.
Head emphasizes the spectacle of pink-ball Tests
Head stressed that the pink-ball Test match presents a unique challenge for players. He said, "We talk about T20, T10, and you see all these different formats. It still works the same way. It's still five days, it's just with a slightly different colored ball." His comments came on the same day former England captain Joe Root questioned the necessity of a pink-ball Test in an Ashes series.
Root questions pink-ball Test's place in AshesÂ
Root questioned the need for a pink-ball Test match in an Ashes series. The England batter 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.
Australia, England in pink-ball Tests
According to ESPNcricinfo, Australia have won 13 of their 14 Day-Night Tests, losing only to West Indies in 2024. Meanwhile, England have lost five of their seven pink-ball fixtures, losing three to Australia. Across 13 pink-ball Test innings, Root has scored 501 runs at an average of 38.53. He has tallied four half-centuries and a ton. On the other hand, Head averages 51.35 in 10 pink-ball Tests (3 tons).