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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of whinging in Australia, yet when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It’s part of preparing for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and although a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, 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 was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and is still in the mix should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, then, at a venue where England haven’t won a match for decades.

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