Australia targets Joe Root as Ashes series intensifies
Australian media outlets have renewed their attacks on England in the build-up to the second Ashes Test, with The West Australian targeting Joe Root over his remarks about the value of pink-ball cricket in such a historic series, reports BritPanorama.
England, still reeling from their two-day defeat in Perth, reconvene in Brisbane on Thursday for the only day-night match of the tour, a format that has become a fixture of Australia’s home schedule.
Pink-ball Tests, introduced in 2015, have been played more often in Australia than anywhere else, with 13 of the 24 global fixtures staged there. England have a far more limited, and less successful, record in the format, having lost five of their seven day-night Tests, including two heavy defeats in Adelaide and another in Hobart in 2022.
Root, speaking ahead of the Brisbane Test, questioned whether the Ashes specifically required a pink-ball element. “I personally don’t think so,” he said when asked if the series needed such a match. He elaborated, stating, “It does add to things. It’s successful and popular here, and Australia have got a good record here as well.”
The West Australian seized on those comments, publishing a front-page image of Root accompanied by the headline: “Death, taxes and whiny Poms.” This latest headline is part of a series of provocative covers since England arrived last month, which also included labeling Ben Stokes a “cocky captain complainer.”
Australian players, meanwhile, defended the day-night format. Travis Head, who struck a decisive century in the first Test, argued that it enhances the spectacle. “We’ve embraced it,” he said. “We’ve been able to put out a good product and play really well with it. Pink ball, white ball, red ball – who really cares?”
Head expressed optimism about the experience and atmosphere the pink ball brings, suggesting that winning makes it feel worthwhile. “It’s a great spectacle and we’re going to have huge crowds again. If you win, you think it’s great. If you lose, maybe not. Both teams may have differing opinions by the end of it. I think it’s great for the game.”
The backdrop to the second Test has been dominated by criticism of England’s preparation and performance. Former fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, writing for the same newspaper, labelled England “arrogant” after the Perth defeat and warned they “risk serious embarrassment” if they do not “stop patting themselves on the back.” Stokes, however, dismissed that theory and fiercely defended the Three Lions and their preparations.
As the Ashes series progresses, tensions and narratives continue to intensify, revealing just how quickly the cricketing battleground can shift. The stakes are high, and for England, a rebound will be essential not just for morale but also for their legacy in this storied contest.
