Joe Root Says Pink-Ball Test “Not Needed” in Iconic Ashes Series

Joe Root questioned whether the Ashes really needs a pink-ball Test, even though Australia remains strongly in favour of the day-night format.

Joe Root has questioned whether the Ashes series needs a pink-ball match. The day-night format, introduced ten years ago to boost crowds, has grown in popularity. The upcoming Gabba Test marks the 25th pink-ball fixture and the fourth in Ashes history.

Despite strong ticket sales across the tour, Root suggested that the traditional format suits the series better. He acknowledged the success of day-night Tests in Australia and their strong record under lights but felt the Ashes does not rely on the pink-ball match to draw interest.

“I don’t think you need it in Ashes series. Absolutely not. I don’t mind [pink-ball cricket]. I mean, I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule: we’ve got to play it, and just got to make sure we’re better than them at it… It’s clearly something that works here for Australia, and they enjoy it,” Root said before the test at Gabba.

“It does add to things. It’s obviously very successful and popular here, and obviously Australia have got a very good record here as well. You can see why we’re playing one of those games and ultimately, you know from two years out [that] it is going to be there… A series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so, but it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be here either,” he added.

Joe Root Assesses Pink-Ball Test Conditions

Joe Root then reflected on the unique challenges posed by day-night Test cricket. Having played in all seven of England’s previous day-night Tests, Root noted how quickly conditions can shift under lights. He also pointed out that the Brisbane Test will feature a long stretch under floodlights, with twilight expected during the middle session.

 “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. Similarly, with the bat, [it is about] recognising those moments and utilising them as best you can: when to put the foot down and maximise the good batting conditions; similarly, being able to maximise it when it changes and how quickly it changes,” Root said.

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“It looks like we’ll have half of a day under floodlights. The twilight phase is in the middle session, when usually that comes around the back end of the second session and the start of the last session.There will be different elements to contend with, but that is all part of the fun, right? Can we be skilful enough and brave enough to be better than Australia in those big moments?” he continued.

“It is a chance to make a bit of history. It will make it all that bit sweeter if we can get over the line here. I’ve played at other venues where we’ve got terrible records, then come out and won; it’s a great feeling. That’s the carrot dangled in front of us,” Root concluded.

2pm Start Designed for Prime-Time Viewing

Cricket Australia and the ECB both supported staging the second Test under lights, a requirement before the ICC approves a day-night format. The 2pm local start ensures the final session falls in prime time for Australian audiences, boosting broadcast reach. Fans in the UK can also watch a significant portion of play during daytime hours.