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Joe Root Questions Pink-Ball Test: Does the Ashes Really Need It?

Joe Root has questioned whether the Ashes really needs a pink-ball Test match. The England batter expressed doubts despite acknowledging Australia's strong day-night record. Root highlighted how conditions change dramatically once floodlights come on during play. His comments come as England prepare for their day-night clash in Brisbane against Australia.

Key Points: Joe Root Questions Pink-Ball Test Necessity in Ashes Series

  • Root questions if historic Ashes series needs pink-ball innovation
  • Australia dominates day-night Tests with 12 wins from 13 home matches
  • England struggles in pink-ball Tests with three defeats in Australia
  • Conditions change dramatically under floodlights affecting game balance
2 min read

Root questions need for pink-ball Test in Ashes: A series like this, does it need it?

England's Joe Root questions whether the Ashes needs pink-ball Tests despite Australia's dominant day-night record as England prepare for Brisbane clash.

Root questions need for pink-ball Test in Ashes: A series like this, does it need it?
"I personally don't think so. A series like this, does it need it? I don't think so, but it doesn't mean it shouldn't be here either. - Joe Root"

New Delhi, Nov 30

England batter Joe Root questions the necessity of a pink-ball Test in the Ashes as England prepares for their day-night clash against Australia in Brisbane.

Day-night Tests were sanctioned by the International Cricket Council in 2015, with the aim of encouraging more people to watch Test cricket. Australia and New Zealand contested the first-ever day-night Test match at the Adelaide Oval in South Australia from November 27–29 in 2025, which the Aussies won by three wickets within three days.

Australia have an outstanding record in the day-night Test, hosting 13 of the 24 played worldwide and winning 12 of those, while England have won two of their seven, including three defeats in Australia. Moreover, England's only home pink-ball Test ended in a heavy defeat against the West Indies in August 2017.

Asked whether he believed the Ashes needed a day-night Test, former England captain Root told BBC Sport, "I personally don't think so. It does add to things. It's successful and popular here, and Australia have got a good record here as well. You can see why we're playing one of those games.

"Ultimately, you know from two years out it is going to be there. It's part and parcel of making sure you're ready for it. A series like this, does it need it? I don't think so, but it doesn't mean it shouldn't be here either."

Root, who has played in all seven of England's pink-ball Tests, identified the change of conditions once the floodlights come on. "At different phases of the day it can feel quite placid; you can feel out of the game with the ball and things can turn around. Similarly with the bat, recognising those moments and utilising them as best you can."

Root made a duck and an eight at Perth Stadium as England were defeated in two days to go one-nil down in the series. His record in Australia is the only real flaw in an otherwise brilliant Test career. Root has 13,551 runs in the format, making him the second-highest scorer in Test history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, I think day-night Tests are great for bringing crowds back to stadiums. But Root is right - Australia's dominance in pink-ball cricket makes it unfair for England. Maybe limit it to bilateral series between evenly matched teams? 🤔
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Rohit P
Root should focus on his batting rather than complaining about conditions! His poor record in Australia speaks volumes. When you're playing away, you adapt to whatever conditions come your way. That's what makes champions like Kohli and Tendulkar special. 🏏
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Sarah B
I actually enjoy watching day-night Tests from India. The timing is perfect for us - we can watch after work hours. But I understand Root's concern about the Ashes tradition. Maybe one pink-ball Test per series is enough to balance tradition and innovation.
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Michael C
Cricket needs to evolve to survive. Day-night Tests have brought new audiences to the game. Root's comments sound like sour grapes after England's poor record. Australia has simply adapted better to the conditions - that's what professional sports is about.
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Ananya R
As an Indian cricket enthusiast, I think innovation is good but not at the cost of tradition. The Ashes has 140 years of history - let's not change its character too much. Maybe save pink-ball Tests for other series where it can attract new fans without compromising legacy.

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