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Rarely for an England player is accused of complaining down under, but when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root replied prior to England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready 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. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played each of the seven of England’s pink-ball matches to date, and despite a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach the slips in England. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred if another rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-spin are decent, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would be all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”