Joe Root says he is unsure whether the Ashes needs a pink-ball Test, even as England prepare for a crucial day-night clash at the Gabba. England trail 1-0 in the five-match series after losing in Perth, and they have not won in Brisbane since 1986.
Root Not Convinced by Pink-Ball Tradition
Day-night Tests were introduced in 2015 to boost crowds and viewership, and Australia have embraced the format more than any other nation. Thirteen of the 24 pink-ball Tests played worldwide have been staged in Australia, and the hosts have won 13 of their 14 matches under lights. England, meanwhile, have managed two wins in seven, including three losses in Australia.
Root, who has played in all seven of England’s pink-ball Tests, said he remains unconvinced. “A series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so,” he told BBC Sport. He added that the format is popular in Australia and predictable in the schedule, but not essential to cricket’s oldest rivalry.
Head Welcomes the Spectacle
Australia batter Travis Head offered the opposite view, saying the format has added excitement. “Pink ball, white ball, red ball – who cares?” he said. Head believes the spectacle, big crowds and TV-friendly timings make day-night Tests good for the sport, even if opinions change with the result.
Australia’s only pink-ball defeat came at the Gabba last year against West Indies. They have traditionally hosted floodlit Tests in Adelaide, but the shift in scheduling has kept the format alive with this year’s Brisbane fixture.
Conditions Under Lights Remain Key Factor
Root said the challenge lies in recognising momentum shifts. “At different phases it can feel quite placid, then things can turn around,” he said. Batters often struggle with visibility under lights, and Australia’s Mitchell Starc has exploited this more than anyone, taking the most wickets in day-night Tests with his pace above 87mph.
Despite the colour, the pink and red Kookaburras behave similarly in swing and seam, but visibility and timing become harder at night.
England Face Setback as Wood Likely to Miss Out
England look set to be without their fastest bowler, Mark Wood, who has knee soreness. They could turn to Josh Tongue for extra pace, or opt for spin through Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks.
The team also chose not to send any of their first-Test XI to Canberra for the England Lions’ pink-ball match. Root said he didn’t feel the need to bat there, despite scoring 0 and 8 in Perth. He remains confident, saying he simply needs clarity on constructing an innings with the pink ball against Australia’s attack.
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