Root unconvinced on need of pink-ball Tests in Ashes series

New Delhi: England batter Joe Root questioned the need to include a day-night Test in the Ashes series but backed his team to be ready for the challenge of facing pink balls under lights.

Australia drubbed England in series opener in Perth, winning by eight wickets inside two days, and will lick their lips ahead of the second match in Brisbane from Thursday, having won 13 of their 14 day-night Tests.

Their only loss was against West Indies at the Gabba last year, prompting Root to questioned the need for a pink-ball Test in Ashes.

"It's very successful and very popular here. Australia has got a good record here. So you can see why we're playing one of those games. Ultimately, two years out it's going to be there. It's part and parcel of making sure you're ready for it," Root said.

"A series like this, does it need it? I don't think so. But it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be here either."

Root was dismissed cheaply in both innings, getting out for zero in the first innings and eight in the next, to go 29 innings without a century Down Under.

"It's pretty disappointing in terms of the numbers. First innings, I thought it was a good ball. It's one of those things you can get early on. You've got to try and find a way to get through that phase when it's tricky at the start.

"And then second innings I thought my tempo was really good, made one mistake. You play a miss at that or it goes between the keeper and it slips for four, you never think of it again.

The 34-year-old has been criticised for his lean phase in Australia but he had no doubt about his ability to score again.

"I think it's having a bit of realism, understanding, yes there are things that I might have done differently if I get an opportunity again, but also it's not the end of the world," the right hander said.

"I'm making sure I'm clear on how I want to construct an innings against the pink ball in these conditions, against this attack.

"That's what this week's about ... just readying yourself as best as possible, having good conversations around things on how we can work together and build those big partnerships that are going to set up games for us."