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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and popular here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready for the series. 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 the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop in day-night games. The England star has played all seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century should there be rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we win here.”