England aim to be in the pink for day-night Test

make sure that if things do start to happen that are different from normal we respond to that quickly and win those sessions.”

Various theories abound about how the ball will react – especially once the floodlights take effect in the final sessions. But Root advocates simply embracing the occasion, and ignoring much of the surrounding hype.

“It is a great opportunity for us to have the first bite of the cherry,” he said of his pinkball pioneers. “It looks like there are going to be some fantastic crowds so I hope it is a huge success and can widen the audience for Test cricket.”

The new hours of play – 2pm until 9.30pm, instead off 11am until 7.30pm – will present an unaccustomed challenge which Root’s England will combat with common sense rather than any temporary lifestyle diktats from their medical specialists.

“We’re all adults, and everyone has their own way of preparing for games – this will be no different,” said the captain.

There should not be any pink-ball nightmares then, but Root insists West Indies – who won their last Test against England in Barbados, to draw the 2015 home series – are highly credible opponents, despite their lowly world ranking and miserable away record.

“Credit has to go to West Indies on that occasion,” he said, reflecting on the defeat in Bridgetown. “They outplayed us, and that’s a clear indication of what they’re capable of. They’re viewed as a side who have some very talented players who can produce matchwinning performances.”

England are expected to prevail with ease nonetheless, as Root seeks consolidation after a 3-1 win over South Africa to foster belief for the Ashes winter ahead.

“I’ve never played an easy game of Test cricket, and I expect this to be a real big challenge for us,” he said.

“We’re very confident, but we don’t ‘expect’ anything. I think you’ve got to earn the right in Test cricket, and that doesn’t change whoever you play against.”