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Rarely that an English cricketer is accused of whinging down under, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest response.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and popular here in Australia, and the hosts boast a strong track record with the pink ball. It's understandable why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part of preparing for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply 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 have to participate, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Joe Root's Performance in Day-Night Tests Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop in day-night games. The England star has played each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and although a hundred in his first outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average above 50 drops to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, it was Starc who got him out 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 back home. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a hundred 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 dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

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

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a ground where the visitors haven’t won a Test in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root said on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed here.”