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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests 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 in Brisbane. “Clearly very successful and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong record with the pink ball. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“In the end, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and we just need to be better our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in each of the seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and although a hundred in his first outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing last week, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century should there be quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee opens up a spot in the team, and Will 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 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, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it all the sweeter if we succeed here.”