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It's not often for an England player gets labeled as complaining in Australia, yet when Joe Root faced questions regarding the need of day-night Tests in a series like the Ashes, he offered a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root replied prior to England's net session in Brisbane. “It’s obviously very successful 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.

“In the end, 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? Probably not … yet it doesn't imply it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it matches traditional Test cricket. But it's on the calendar. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better our opponents at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Suffers

Similar to his opposite number, Australia's Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the seven of England’s floodlit Tests so far, and despite a century in his debut such match versus the Windies back in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to 38.5 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 and a strike rate around 50 overall, but those numbers improve to 17 and 33 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as West Indies were bowled out for 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Deciding Duel Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head of Root and Starc is shaping up to be a potential deciding factors in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood usually caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for scores of zero and eight.

Root has reflected that the first dismissal was just a good ball—the kind that might not carry the slips in England. The second, when he chopped on, during England’s the team's slump, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I believe I will score runs again.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Preparations

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon these days—he noted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome in this Test, and contributions by their premier batter could aid them recover from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century should there be rapid shootout occurs, yet Root's absence of a century on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn’t have long enough to dwell on it,” he modestly answered when asked if the stat bothered him in Perth.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop setting the tone in the heat. The key sessions are vital for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable with a sore knee has created an opening in the team, with Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-spin are adequate, and extra runs down the order might offset any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, and spinner Bashir was in the squad previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where the visitors haven’t won a match in over 40 years.

“It is a chance to create history,” Root commented regarding this. “It would be even more satisfying if we win here.”