England’s batting maestro Joe Root has openly questioned whether a pink-ball Test truly belongs in an Ashes series, right on the eve of the day-night match at the Gabba.
It is a bold take. And it has certainly sparked fresh debate.
Do the Ashes Really Need the Pink Ball?
Speaking before training in Brisbane, Root did not sit on the fence. In his view, the Ashes are already powerful enough without the need for innovation.
He made it clear that while he does not dislike pink-ball cricket, he does not see it as equal to the traditional red-ball format either. In simple terms, for Root, the Ashes sell themselves. They do not need any extra shine.
“I don’t mind [pink-ball cricket]. I mean, I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket,” he said.
“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.”
And yet, here we are. The second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes between Australia and England will be the 25th pink-ball Test in history and the fourth such match in an Ashes series.
Tickets for the first three days are already sold out. From a commercial point of view, the format is clearly working. Root accepts that reality. He simply argues that tradition should matter too.
Why This Pink-Ball Test Still Went Ahead?
For a day-night Test to be approved, both boards must agree before the ICC gives the green light. In this case, Cricket Australia (CA) and the ECB were both on board.
There is also a broadcast angle. The 2 pm local start in Brisbane ensures that the final session is played in prime time for Australian viewers, while UK audiences can follow in daylight. From a scheduling point of view, it ticks many boxes.
Joe Root acknowledged that Australia enjoy these conditions and have built a strong record around them. That, in his words, explains why this Test exists at all.
“It’s obviously very successful and popular here, and obviously Australia have got a very good record here as well,” he said.
“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.”
Under Lights, the Game Changes Quickly
Root is no stranger to pink-ball cricket. He has played seven day-night Tests, captaining England in six of them. His message to the squad was clear. Things can turn very quickly once the floodlights take over.
He spoke about how the game can feel calm one moment and suddenly spiral the next, especially for batters. With the ball, sides can feel out of the contest for long spells before finding sudden life.
The key, according to Root, is recognising those short windows. When conditions suit batting, you must cash in. When the ball starts talking, you must survive.
A Fortress to Break and History to Chase
Australia have lost only once in 14 pink-ball Tests, and that rare defeat came against West Indies at the Gabba last year. England’s record at this venue is even more daunting. Their last win here came back in 1986-87.
Root, however, sees opportunity where others see fear. He called it a chance to make history. And he is right. There is something special about breaking long droughts on iconic grounds. It stays with players forever.
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