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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging down under, but when the former captain faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and Australia have an impressive track record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of being ready for the series. For a series like this, does it need it? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. In my opinion it matches the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and we just need to be better than Australia at it.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit in day-night games. The England star has played all seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a hundred in his debut such match against West Indies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed with seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the kind that may not reach to slip back home. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation by him. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

England's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he wished he'd heeded his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter could aid in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a hundred should there be rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to think about 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 on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone on a hot afternoon. 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 lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and extra runs at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

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

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