Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Root Questions Pink-Ball Test Necessity in Ashes
Joe Root, the captain of England's cricket team, has said that he doesn't think the Ashes series needs to have a game with a pink ball.
This is a special kind of cricket match that is played during the day and at night.
Root thinks that the Ashes, which is a very important series between England and Australia, doesn't need this extra challenge.
However, he also said that it's okay to have this game because it's popular and Australia has been very good at winning these kinds of matches.
England has lost the first match of the series and needs to win the next one to stay in the competition.
The pink-ball game in Brisbane will be different because more of the match will be played under artificial lights.
Root has played in all of England's pink-ball Tests and has a lot of experience, but he struggles in Australia.
He has the second-most runs in Test cricket history.
Joe Root questions the necessity of a pink-ball Test in the Ashes series.
England is trailing 0-1 after losing the first Test in Perth.
Australia has a strong record in pink-ball Tests, winning 13 out of 14.
The Brisbane Test will have more play under artificial lights than usual.
Root acknowledges the challenges of playing under floodlights but sees it as part of the fun.
- Who
- Joe Root, England cricket team
- What
- Questioning the necessity of pink-ball Tests in the Ashes series
- When
- Ahead of the Brisbane Test starting on December 4
- Where
- Brisbane, Australia
- Why
- Root believes the Ashes series doesn't need the added complexity of day-night games, despite their popularity and Australia's strong record
Joe Root
ICC and Popular Opinion
Necessity of Pink-Ball Tests in Ashes
Joe Root
Root believes the Ashes series doesn't need the added complexity of day-night games, despite their popularity and Australia's strong record.
ICC and Popular Opinion
The ICC and popular opinion support day-night Tests to encourage more people to watch Test cricket, making them a valuable addition to the series.
- Series
- Ashes
- Match Type
- Day-Night Test
- Location
- Brisbane, Australia
- Start Date
- December 4
- England's Record
- 0-3 in previous pink-ball Tests
- Australia's Record
- 13-1 in pink-ball Tests
- Series Status
- England trailing 0-1
- Root's Test Record
- 13,551 runs (2nd highest in Test history)
Sources
Ashes don’t need pink-ball Tests, says Joe Root
Joe Root questions need for pink-ball Ashes Tests amid dry run Down Under
Root questions need for pink-ball Test in Ashes: A series like this, does it need it?
‘Pink ball, white ball, red ball – who really cares?’: Travis Head weighs in on Ashes day-night Test at Gabba
