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Rarely for an England player is accused of whinging in Australia, but when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong track record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers see a drop in day-night games. The England star has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and despite a century in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 drops to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry to slip in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their premier batter could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century if another quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” was his humble reply on being questioned if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where the visitors have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root said on this fact. “It would be all the sweeter if we win at this ground.”