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Rarely that an English cricketer gets labeled as complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received in this country, and Australia have an impressive record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? 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 traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and we just need we outperform than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in each of the seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his first outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach the slips back home. His next dismissal, 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 believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat weighed on 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 on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

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

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England haven’t 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.”