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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, but when the former captain faced questions about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for the series. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and we just need to be better our opponents at it.”

Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers 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 such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered by taking seven for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head between 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, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the type that may not reach to slip in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome this week, and runs from their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred if another rapid shootout unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. His off-spin are decent, and extra runs at number eight might offset 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 in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where England haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

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