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

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong record in these matches. You can understand why we’re playing.

“In the end, you know well in advance it will happen. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and although a century in his first outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers shift to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that might not carry to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, then, 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.”