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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining down under, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest response.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply 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’ve got to play it, and we just need we outperform our opponents at it.”

Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and although a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate around 50 in general, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for 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, 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 return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their premier batter would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century if another quick-fire match occurs, 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 on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

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