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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as whinging down under, yet when the former captain faced questions about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave an honest response.

“From my perspective, it's not necessary,” Root responded prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received in this country, and Australia have an impressive record with the pink ball. You can understand why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know from two years out that it’s scheduled. It's a requirement of preparing for the series. 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. I don’t think it’s as good as the conventional format. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure we outperform our opponents at it.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar stats see a drop in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has featured in all seven England's floodlit Tests so far, and despite a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six for nine as West Indies were dismissed for a meager 27—career-best figures that were soon surpassed by taking seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is shaping up to be one of the key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence last week, the veteran Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket was just a good ball—the type that may not reach the slips in England. The second, bowled chopping 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.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also come into play. England, down one match, face additional obstacles 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 rapid shootout occurs, but Root’s lack of a ton in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply on being questioned whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are vital for their readiness, conducted in evening conditions.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue has created an opening in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be the frontrunner. His off-breaks 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, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was in the squad last week. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where England have not won a match for decades.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root commented on this fact. “It would be even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”