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It's not often for an England player is accused of complaining down under, but when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root replied before England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful and well-received here in Australia, and the hosts have an impressive track record with the pink ball. 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 the series. 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 don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Root's Performance Under Lights Declines

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong numbers see a drop in day-night games. The Yorkshire batsman has played all seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and although a century in his first outing versus the Windies back in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to 38.5 under lights.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 and a strike rate of 49.9 overall, yet these figures improve to 17 and 33 correspondingly with the pink ball. In his last pink-ball appearance, against West Indies, he took six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for a meager 27—career-best figures that he bettered with seven wickets for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in the Ashes. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood usually troubled him more, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned that the first dismissal came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s second-day collapse, was a miscalculation on his part. “I am confident in my ability,” he said. “I know I’m going to score runs again.”

England's Challenges and Preparations

Starc has adopted the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he noted he should have listened his teammates' suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing could be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their premier batter could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred should there be rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a century in Australia continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” was his humble reply when asked whether that record bothered him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Chance for History

The England squad trained intensely over the weekend, with hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the lineup, with Jacks practicing among the batsmen hints he could be in contention. His off-breaks are decent, and extra runs down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

That said, Josh Tongue was with the reserves in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, then, at a ground where England have not won a Test in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would make it all the sweeter if we succeed here.”