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Bharat defends pink ball Test after Root takes aim
Sam Kosack • December 2nd, 2025 4:40 pm
SEN’s Bharat Sundaresan has defended the pink ball Test as part of the Ashes schedule, saying it has become “part of tradition” for the tour.
Ahead of Brisbane’s pink ball Test starting on Thursday, England captain Joe Root came out against the fixture, saying that while he doesn’t mind the day-night Test, it’s not something needed in an Ashes schedule.
“I don’t think you need it in the Ashes series, absolutely not," Root said on Monday.
"It’s clearly something that works here for Australia, and they enjoy it. So, I think we’ve just got to make the most of the opportunity to play it and put your best foot forward if you get your chance.
“It’s obviously very successful and popular here, and obviously Australia have got a very good record here as well. 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.”
Australia has a dominant day-night Test record, winning 12 of the 13 pink ball matches hosted on home soil; hosting and winning significantly more than any other nation.
Speaking on SEN 1170 Afternoons, Sundaresan understood Root’s outlook but defended the presence of the fixture in an Australian cricket summer.
“No, I mean, that's a valid point (by Root),” Sundaresan said.
“The Ashes comes with its own drama… we've seen two days of cricket in a month, and already the focus has been on everything that's happened around it. Wait until we get three more days of cricket, which is what I expect here at the Gabba.
“With the Ashes, probably you don't need a pink ball Test, but look, there are so many other things that go into it as well, right?
“It's one of those things… going back to Stumps and Bumps and with wrestling, there are a lot of events that happen in wrestling which people have said, well, it's old school, do we still need them? But the WWE still do it because it's just part of tradition, and that's what the pink ball Test has become in the last 10 or so years.”
England have a steep challenge to overcome Australia’s record, made more difficult by Mark Wood’s injury, with the veteran fast bowler replaced by Josh Tongue.
Australia could also make changes, with opener Usman Khawaja’s place in the side in doubt after he suffered back spasms in the first Test, opening the door for Travis Head to impress at the top of the order.
Tune into Sport Nation for live ball-by-ball commentary of The Ashes series, the second Test begins December 4, available on the Sport Nation app via SEN.
