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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging down under, yet when the former captain faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received in this country, and Australia boast a strong record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement 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’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and despite a hundred in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

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

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip in England. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their premier batter would help in recovering 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 think about it,” he modestly answered when asked whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and extra runs down the order might offset any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, then, at a venue where England haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

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