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Rarely for an England player is accused of complaining in Australia, but when the former captain faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. 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 our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach to slip back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their top batsman could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century should there be rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked whether that record bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence 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. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and extra runs at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

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