Root not pink-ball fan but ready to shine under the lights

England batter expresses preference for traditional Tests over day-night matches

- Ali Martin

It rarely takes much for an English man to be accused of whingeing in Australia but when Joe Root was asked a simple question yesterday - whether a series such as the Ashes actually needs day-night Test cricket - he simply gave an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” replied Root, before England took to the nets at the Gabba for Thursday’s second Test. “It’s obviously very successful and popular here, and obviously Australia have got a very good record [played 14, won 13]. You can see why we’re playing one of those games.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out it is going to be there. It’s part and parcel of making sure you’re ready for it. A series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so ... but it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be here either. I don’t mind it. 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 go to make sure we're better than them at it.”