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It's not often that an English cricketer gets labeled as whinging in Australia, yet when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need of day-night Tests during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong record with the pink ball. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware from two years out it will happen. It’s part of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, is it essential? I don’t think so … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. In my opinion it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root's usually stellar numbers take a hit in day-night games. The England star has played all seven of England’s pink-ball matches so far, and although a hundred in his first such match versus the Windies in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to 38.5 under lights.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, in Jamaica, he claimed six for nine as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup of Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, the veteran Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry to slip back home. The second, when he chopped on, amid 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 score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and runs from their top batsman could aid 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 ton on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions 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 netting with the main batters suggests he might be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, seamer Tongue was with the reserves elsewhere and remains an option should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner 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 commented regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we succeed at this ground.”