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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded before England's net session in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and popular in this country, and Australia have an impressive track record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in each of the seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his debut outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, 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 type that may not reach the slips back home. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred should there be rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and extra runs down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where England haven’t won a Test for decades.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”