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Rarely for an England player gets labeled as complaining down under, but when Joe Root faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts boast a strong record in these matches. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, does it need it? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it has no place. 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 we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Like his counterpart, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats take a hit in day-night games. The England star has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests to date, and although a century in his debut such match against West Indies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 correspondingly with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as one of the deciding factors in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, in their absence last week, it was Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry to slip back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

This may not require a century if another quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn’t have long enough to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely on Sunday, with hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for their readiness, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are decent, and additional scoring down the order might offset any bowling leaks.

However, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and is still in the mix if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Much to think about, then, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

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