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It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root 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 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 from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats see a drop with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the seven England's pink-ball matches to date, and although a century in his first such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing last week, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry the slips in England. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his main tactic these days—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter would help in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred if another rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record weighed on him in Perth.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-spin are adequate, and additional scoring down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, then, at a ground where England have not won a Test in over 40 years.

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