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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root stated prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “Clearly very successful and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and we just need to be better our opponents at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his debut such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing last week, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry to slip back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic these days—he admitted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their top batsman could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century if another rapid shootout unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates trained intensely on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would be all the sweeter if we succeed here.”