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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of 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 answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready 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. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has played all seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his debut such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, yet these figures improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach the slips back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their top batsman could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century should there be quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring down the order could balance any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

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