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Rarely for an England player is accused of whinging in Australia, yet when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received in this country, and Australia boast a strong track record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for such contests. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop in day-night games. The England star has played all seven England's pink-ball matches to date, and although a century in his first outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, yet these figures shift to 17 and 33 correspondingly in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was 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 to slip in England. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses 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 come into play. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their top batsman could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates 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, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-spin are decent, and additional scoring down the order could balance any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra 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 have not won a Test for decades.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root said on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we win here.”