Root Questions Need for Pink-Ball Test Ahead of Ashes Clash at the Gabba

Former England captain Joe Root has raised doubts over the necessity of staging a pink-ball Test in the upcoming Ashes series, ahead of Thursday’s much-anticipated day-night clash at the Gabba.

The first pink-ball Test was introduced ten years ago to boost stadium attendances, and Thursday’s fixture will mark the 25th pink-ball Test globally and the fourth in Ashes history. Tickets for the first three days in Brisbane have already sold out, mirroring strong demand across the entire tour.

Despite the popularity of the format in Australia, Root questioned whether a marquee series like the Ashes requires a day-night element.
“I personally don’t think so,” Root said on Sunday before England’s training session at the Gabba.
“It does add to things… It’s obviously very successful and popular here, and Australia have a very good record. A series like this—does it need it? I don’t think so, but it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be here either.”

Both Cricket Australia and the ECB approved the use of the pink ball, as ICC regulations require mutual agreement between boards to schedule a day-night Test. The 2pm start time ensures the final session is broadcast in primetime for Australian audiences and during daytime hours in the UK.

Root, who has played in all seven of England’s previous pink-ball Tests and captained six of them, warned that the game can swing rapidly under lights.
“At different phases of the day, it can feel quite placid… and things can turn around,” he noted.
He emphasised the need for England batters and bowlers to recognise momentum shifts:
“It’s about maximising good batting conditions and being ready for how quickly things change.”

The timing of sunset in Brisbane this week means the twilight period will fall during the second session, rather than the typical late-afternoon window seen in England. Root suggested this could influence tactics:
“It looks like we’ll have half of a day under floodlights… There will be different elements to contend with, but that’s part of the fun.”

Australia have an imposing record in pink-ball Tests, having lost only once in 14 matches—their sole defeat coming against West Indies at the Gabba in early 2024. England, meanwhile, have struggled historically at the venue, last winning there in 1986–87.

Still, Root sees an opportunity:
“It is a chance to make a bit of history… It will be all the sweeter if we can get over the line here.”