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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, but when the former captain was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded before England's net session at the Gabba. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“In the end, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It’s part of being ready for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, does it need it? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the 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 of 50.9 falls to 38.5 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate of 49.9 in general, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he took six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven 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 deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing last week, it was Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that might not carry the slips back home. His next dismissal, bowled chopping on, amid the team's slump, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he stated. “I believe I will return to form.”

England's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, trailing 1-0, have more to overcome in this Test, and runs from their top batsman could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

It might not need a century if another rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard on Sunday, 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 with a sore knee opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included last week. Plenty to consider, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match for decades.

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