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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining down under, yet when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded before England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts have an impressive track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has played all seven England's pink-ball matches to date, and although a century in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate of 49.9 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly in day-night Tests. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their top batsman could aid them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century should there be rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a Test 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 win here.”