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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining down under, yet when the former captain faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest response.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and popular here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it’s as good as the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's 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 so far, and although a hundred in his debut outing versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate around 50 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips back home. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their top batsman could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

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

Team Selection and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win here.”