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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root stated prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his first such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 drops to just over 38 under lights.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally troubled him more, in their absence last week, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that may not reach to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred should there be 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 bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for their readiness, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and extra runs at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, then, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a Test for decades.

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