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

England's Joe Root has questioned the necessity of pink-ball Test matches in the Ashes series ahead of Thursday's day-night game in Brisbane, despite the format's popularity and success in Australia. The upcoming match at the Gabba marks the 25th pink-ball Test overall and the fourth in Ashes history, with tickets for the first three days already sold out.

The pink-ball Test format was introduced a decade ago to boost crowd attendance at matches. The second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes at the Gabba will continue this tradition.




"I personally don't think so," Root stated when asked if the Ashes required a pink-ball Test. "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."

The day-night Test received approval from both Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The International Cricket Council only sanctions such matches with mutual consent from both boards.

The 2pm start time in Brisbane ensures prime-time viewing for Australian broadcasters while maintaining daylight hours for UK audiences.

Root, who has played in all seven of England's previous day-night Tests and captained six, emphasized the game's dynamic nature under floodlights.

"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," Root explained. "Similarly, with the bat, it is about recognizing 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 highlighted the unique timing of the Brisbane Test, where sunset occurs during the second session, unlike England's previous day-night matches.

"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," he said.

"There will be different elements to contend with, but that is all part of the fun, right? Can we be skillful enough and brave enough to be better than Australia in those big moments?" Root added.

Australia maintains a strong record in pink-ball Tests, losing only once in 14 matches against West Indies at the Gabba last year. England hasn't secured a victory at the venue since the 1986-87 Ashes.

"It is a chance to make a bit of history," Root stated. "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."

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