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Rarely that an English cricketer gets labeled as complaining in Australia, but when the former captain faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has played all seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and although a century in his debut such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 in general, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that might not carry the slips back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

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 muggy conditions, swing could come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their premier batter would help them recover 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 continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

That said, 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 last week. Much to think about, then, at a ground where England have not won a Test for decades.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would make it all the sweeter if we win here.”