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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as complaining down under, but when the former captain faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and well-received in this country, and Australia have an impressive track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It’s part of preparing for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach the slips in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century if another quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and extra runs at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England have not won a Test for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”