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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “Clearly highly popular and popular here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong track record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know well in advance it will happen. It’s part of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and although a century in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach the slips in England. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their premier batter could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and additional scoring down the order might offset any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, then, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we succeed here.”