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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root responded before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it’s as good as the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven England's pink-ball matches to date, and although a hundred in his first such match against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach to slip back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century if another rapid shootout unfolds, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any conceded runs.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a Test for decades.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would be all the sweeter if we succeed at this ground.”