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It's not often for an England player is accused of whinging down under, but when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he offered an honest answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously highly popular and well-received in this country, and the hosts have an impressive track record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out that it’s scheduled. It’s part 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 shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform our opponents in these conditions.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has played all seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and although a hundred in his debut such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the deciding factors in the Ashes. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the kind that might not carry the slips back home. The second, bowled chopping on, during England’s second-day collapse, 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 Readiness

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman would help them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a century in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Historic Opportunity

The England squad practiced hard over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. Monday and Wednesday are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are decent, and extra runs at number eight might offset any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where the visitors have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to create history,” Root said regarding this. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”