England's prep not to blame for Gabba fielding errors, says Root
Readiness for floodlit challenge comes in for scrutiny after dropped catches dent tourists’ chances
Vithushan Ehantharajah05-Dec-20251:18
Root jokes England’s ‘wheels would’ve come off’ if he was captain
Joe Root has defended England’s preparations ahead of the second Test after the tourists missed five chances on day two at the Gabba, four of which came in a final session under lights that allowed Australia to establish a crucial 44-run lead with four first-innings wickets remaining.Root’s first century on an Ashes tour had given England a workable total of 334. But they were unable to make it count through wayward bowling and an array of spurned chances. All but one came after sunset, when the pink ball becomes harder to see under the floodlights, allowing the hosts to close on 378 for 6.Travis Head, shifted up to open the batting, was missed badly by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith on 3, and went on to make 33. During the final session, Ben Duckett missed a pop-up at gully that would have removed Alex Carey for a golden duck, and could only palm Josh Inglis away at third slip on 19 – although Ben Stokes bowled Inglis three deliveries later for 21.Related
Root: England must 'express themselves in right way' to save second Test
Weatherald's opening gambit inspires Australia fightback
Live Report – Smith seals win after Neser's five sinks England
Michael Neser was given a life on 6 after slapping Jofra Archer straight to Brydon Carse, who put down a simple effort at cover that split the webbing on his right thumb. Finally, Carey, on 25, slashed between Root (first slip) and Smith, who should have got to it. Carey and Neser eventually walked off together at the close, their unbeaten stand – 49 from 55 deliveries – putting Australia ahead in the match.England chose not to send any of their starters to Canberra for a two-day game against a Prime Minister’s XI that would have given them exposure to day-night conditions. Instead, they underwent a five-day training programme going into the Test, which included two sessions (Monday and Wednesday) under lights, both in the nets and on the outfield of the Gabba to practice fielding in the various scenarios they would come across in this match. Root believes this, unequivocally, was the right thing to do.”We worked as hard as we could in the lead up to this,” Root said. “We had five days of prep and we did a huge amount of catching and making sure we utilised those two sessions under lights well.”You could look at it like that [England could have played in Canberra] but you can’t replicate that surface [at the Gabba], the bounce, the way the nicks come. It’s never going to be exactly the same, it’s never going to be perfect. All you can do is give yourself the best possible chance and I think we’ve done that.”In the lead up to this game we’ve got used to conditions, we’ve got used to the heat, we got used to the surfaces. The nets were at 3mm [grass length], the same as the wicket. We faced our own bowlers, we’ve caught under lights, we’ve caught in daylight and tried to catch in twilight as well. Sometimes they don’t stick and you’re always looking for answers.”Sometimes they just don’t stick and you’ve got to keep applying yourself and wanting the ball so you’re ready when that next opportunity comes.”England did at least have sympathy from across the divide. Jake Weatherald, who struck 72 for a maiden half-century in his second Test, admitted to his own struggles in the field on the evening of day one.”It was definitely difficult,” he said. “We were probably lucky we didn’t get as many catches square of the wicket as them. It is really difficult.”It has been a hard thing to do and it was hard last week for me with the red ball, obviously against the crowds. This week has been another level hard, especially square of the wicket.”I feel for them, I understand how hard it is out there, especially when the ball is being hit hard and there is a bit of dew on the wicket as well. It comes flying at you and it’s not great visuals. It’s a different challenge.”