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Rarely for an England player is accused of complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out 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 … 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 have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers see a drop with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his first outing against West Indies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred if another quick-fire match occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the team, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, then, at a venue where the visitors have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed here.”