Joe Root said he was confident of rediscovering his scoring prowess after losing to Australia in the Ashes opener and questioned the need for pink-ball Tests.
England face Australia in Brisbane as the second Ashes Test begins on Thursday. The tourists will be looking to respond strongly to an eight-wicket loss in two days in Perth, with Root lasting just 18 balls in two innings.
Root, who is the second highest scorer in Test cricket after Sachin Tendulkar, has featured in each of England’s previous seven day-night Tests, winning only two of them and losing five.
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Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain discuss what the key differences will be with the pink ball in the day-night second Ashes Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Australia have won 13 of the 14 day-night Tests against West Indies at the Gabba last year, with Root questioning the need for a pink-ball Ashes Test.
“This place is very successful and popular,” Root told reporters on Sunday.
“Australia have a good record here, so you can see why we’re playing one of those games. Ultimately, we’ll be there in two years. That’s an important part of making sure you’re prepared for that.
“Do we need a series like this? I don’t think we need to. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be here.”
Former England captain Root has now taken an innings of 29 without a hundred against Australia in a Test match Down Under, sparking criticism over his form, but the 34-year-old has left no doubt about his ability to score again.
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Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain discuss whether Joe Root’s legacy as the greatest player of all time will be affected if he fails to achieve an Ashes century for Australia.
“In these circumstances, against the pink ball, we are making sure we know how to structure our innings against this attack,” Root added.
“That’s what this week is about… preparing as best as we can, having good conversations about how we can work together and building great partnerships that will prepare the game for us.”
Root came out for a duck and eight with Mitchell Starc in a frantic first Test that ended in two days.
“In terms of numbers, it’s very disappointing,” Root said.
“I thought it was a good pitch in the first innings. It’s one of those things you get early on. When it gets tricky early on, you have to try to find a way to get through that phase.
“And in the second inning, I thought my tempo was really good, but I made one mistake. If I miss that or get between the keeper and slip it four times, I never think about it again.
“I think there’s a bit of reality and understanding. If I had the chance again, I might have done things differently, but it’s not the end of the world.”
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Australian cricket journalist Adam Collins explains why England’s preferred style needs to be effective if they are to secure a draw in the Ashes. We also explain why England need to fight back ahead of the pink-ball Test in Brisbane.
England’s top side enjoyed a net session at the Gabba on Sunday as they adapted to the wet weather.
Root said he was pleased with the decision not to travel to Canberra and play a pink-ball tour match against a Prime Minister’s XI.
“This is the best way to personally prepare,” he said. “The half-time is important, but as an experienced player, I feel like I know what I need to do to do my best.”
Wood set to miss second Ashes Test
Mark Wood looks set to miss the second Ashes Test.
mark wood He is expected to miss the second Ashes Test after taking part in England’s first training session in Brisbane..
The 35-year-old has missed the entire domestic season after undergoing surgery on the same knee in March, and also suffered a hamstring injury in the pre-series warm-up match against the England Lions.
He eventually stayed fit after being sent for scans, but delivered just 11 overs with heavy straps in Perth as the tourists lost two days. Despite being wicketless, he topped 93mph in the first innings and hit helmeted all-rounder Cameron Green with a powerful bouncer, only to see his pace briefly drop during Australia’s chase.
He previously made it clear to former England captain Michael Vaughan that he did not expect to play all five games Down Under. fox sports: “I would never play it five times, I know that. I think it depends. I think we just have to review it after every game.”
England reserves Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts are currently in Canberra taking part in the Lions’ match against the Prime Minister’s XI. This gives them a welcome break in between if they are asked to and are due to connect with the rest of the Test team on Monday.
Ashes series 2025-26 in Australia
Always UK and Ireland
- First Test (Perth – 21-25 November): Australia beat England by 8 wickets.
- Second test (day/night): Thursday 4 December – Monday 8 December (4am) – The Gabba, Brisbane
- Third test: Wednesday 17 December – Sunday 21 December (11.30pm) – Adelaide Oval
- Fourth test: Thursday 25 December – Monday 29 December (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Fifth test: Sunday 4 January – Thursday 8 January (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
