Joe Root, England's star batsman, has played down his struggles in Australia and questioned the need for a pink-ball Test during the Ashes series. The second Test at Brisbane is just around the corner, with Australia looking to respond strongly after an eight-wicket defeat in Perth.
Root has been struggling for form, having gone 29 innings without a century against Australia in Test matches Down Under. However, he remains confident that he can rediscover his scoring touch and has questioned whether the pink-ball Test is necessary. "It's very successful and very popular here," Root said. "Australia has got a good record here... but it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be here either."
Root's form has been a major concern for England, with many of their top order batsmen struggling in Australia. The team will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing first Test and the 35-year-old Root is confident that he can make an impact. "I'm making sure I'm clear on how I want to construct an innings against the pink ball in these conditions, against this attack," he added.
The pink-ball Test has been successful for Australia in recent years, with the country winning 13 of their 14 day-night Tests. However, Root believes that it is not essential for England to play a pink-ball Test in Brisbane. "A series like this, does it need it? I don't think so," he said. "But it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be here either."
England's top order enjoyed a net session at the Gabba on Sunday as they acclimatise to the humid weather. The team is expected to face some challenges in Brisbane, with Australia looking to take advantage of their home conditions.
Meanwhile, Mark Wood looks set to miss the second Ashes Test after sitting out England's first training session in Brisbane. The 35-year-old had previously undergone surgery on his knee and also suffered a hamstring scare during the pre-series warm-up match against England Lions.
Root has been struggling for form, having gone 29 innings without a century against Australia in Test matches Down Under. However, he remains confident that he can rediscover his scoring touch and has questioned whether the pink-ball Test is necessary. "It's very successful and very popular here," Root said. "Australia has got a good record here... but it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be here either."
Root's form has been a major concern for England, with many of their top order batsmen struggling in Australia. The team will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing first Test and the 35-year-old Root is confident that he can make an impact. "I'm making sure I'm clear on how I want to construct an innings against the pink ball in these conditions, against this attack," he added.
The pink-ball Test has been successful for Australia in recent years, with the country winning 13 of their 14 day-night Tests. However, Root believes that it is not essential for England to play a pink-ball Test in Brisbane. "A series like this, does it need it? I don't think so," he said. "But it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be here either."
England's top order enjoyed a net session at the Gabba on Sunday as they acclimatise to the humid weather. The team is expected to face some challenges in Brisbane, with Australia looking to take advantage of their home conditions.
Meanwhile, Mark Wood looks set to miss the second Ashes Test after sitting out England's first training session in Brisbane. The 35-year-old had previously undergone surgery on his knee and also suffered a hamstring scare during the pre-series warm-up match against England Lions.
Like, Joe Root is saying they're not necessary but then again he doesn't want to be left behind... it's a bit confusing, I guess. They've had good results with them in Australia so far, 13 wins out of 14 day-night Tests. But England needs a win here to stay in the series, so maybe they need that extra boost? 
Still, it'll be interesting to see how Root performs against the pink ball, and whether Mark Wood can get back from his injuries in time for the game... fingers crossed! 
. anyway, back to joe root... seriously though, who thought it was a good idea to introduce pink balls in test cricket? its like they're trying to confuse the batsmen even more 
. and what's with australia getting 13 wins out of 14 day-night tests? that's just not fair 
. as for england's struggles, i think root is being a bit too optimistic about his chances. he needs to work on his form before we can take him seriously 
But at the same time, you can understand his point about England needing to make a strong statement and bounce back from that tough first Test. I think what's most important is how the team as a whole responds, not just one player's form... fingers crossed they can all come together and put on a good show in Brisbane! 
Root's just trying to deflect from his struggles, you know? He says he's confident, but his form's been crap for months! And what's up with this pink-ball Test nonsense? It's just a gimmick to attract more viewers, that's all. Australia's got the record, but does it really need to be played every time? I don't think so 
The thing is, if they don't play it, it could look like they're not taking Australia seriously. And that's what makes this series so interesting... 
. And to be fair, they do need a win to get back in the series. Still, I'm curious to see how Root and Co handle the humidity and pink ball in Brisbane... hope Mark Wood recovers from that hamstring scare 
. And what's with the "it's very successful and popular here" thing? That just sounds like he's givin' up 
. And meanwhile, Mark Wood is out for the second Test? This series just got a lot more interesting...