England batting mainstay Joe Root voiced confidence in his abilities to score a high score in the day-night match against Australia in Brisbane on Sunday, while questioning whether the Ashes needed a pink-ball Test.
The former captain has participated in all seven of England’s previous day-night Test matches and is the second-highest run scorer in Test cricket after Sachin Tendulkar. They have five losses and two victories.
Despite the fact that the first three days of the second Test at the Gabba were sold out, he is not convinced that the day-night matches would be part of an Ashes series.
“I personally don’t think so,” he told reporters when asked if the Ashes needed the second Test, which begins on Thursday, to be a day-night match.
“It does add to things. It’s obviously very successful and popular here and obviously Australia have got a very good record as well. I can see why we’re playing one of those games. A series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so, but it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be here either.”
Australia has won 13 of 14 matches under lights, demonstrating their mastery of pink-ball Tests. England hasn’t won in Brisbane since 1986, but the Aussies did lose to the West Indies at the Gabba last year.
After a thrilling eight-wicket victory in Perth, in the Test that got over in two days, the hosts have a 1-0 lead going into the match.
With Mitchell Starc as his tormentor, Root, who has failed to make a century in Australia, lasted just 18 balls over the course of two innings in Perth before being out for a duck and 8.
The 34-year-old, who averages 33.33 in 15 Test matches compared to his career average of 50.94, is optimistic that he can improve his lackluster performance in Australia.
“I know if I get time out there and I make good decisions for long periods of time, I’m going to be successful,” he said. “I know that I’m a good player, it’s just about putting that into the games out here.”
As they get used to the humid heat, England’s top order had a net session at the Gabba on Sunday. Root stated that he felt at ease with the choice to skip this weekend’s pink-ball tour match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.
“This is the best way to prepare personally,” he said. “Time in the middle is one thing, but as an experienced player, I feel like I know what I need to get the best out of myself.”
