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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia in these conditions.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and despite a hundred in his first outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 under lights.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who dismissed him for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach to slip back home. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. The key sessions are crucial for England’s preparations, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are adequate, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a ground where England haven’t won a match for decades.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would make it even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”