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Rarely for an England player is accused of complaining in Australia, yet when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root stated prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his first such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry to slip in England. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their top batsman would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century should there be rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where England 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 all the sweeter if we win at this ground.”