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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root stated prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware 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? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their top batsman could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred if another rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and is still in the mix should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed here.”