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It's not often that an English cricketer is accused of complaining in Australia, yet when Joe Root was questioned regarding the need for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he gave a straightforward response.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded prior to England's practice in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and popular in this country, and the hosts boast a strong track record in these matches. It's understandable why we’re playing.

“Ultimately, you know well in advance it will happen. It's a requirement of being ready for such contests. For a series like this, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I'm fine with it. I don’t think it’s as good as the conventional format. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and we just need we outperform than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Record Under Lights Takes a Dip

Similar to his opposite number, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in each of the seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and despite a hundred in his debut outing against West Indies in 2017, his career average above 50 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, paceman Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 in general, yet these figures shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. During his most recent floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were bowled out for 27—his best performance that he bettered with seven for 58 in Perth.

Key Battle Root vs Starc Could Shape Series

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in this series. Although Cummins and Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, in their absence in the first Test, it was Starc who dismissed him for scores of a duck and eight.

Root later reasoned the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—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 am confident in my ability,” 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 main tactic nowadays—he noted he should have listened to Hazlewood and Cummins advice sooner—and in humid Brisbane, swing may also be available. England, down one match, face additional obstacles this week, and contributions by their top batsman would help in recovering from a self-inflicted hole.

This may not require a century if another quick-fire match unfolds, yet Root's absence of a ton in Australia remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat bothered him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates practiced hard on Sunday, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop in the heat. 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 lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters hints he could be the frontrunner. His off-breaks are decent, and additional scoring down the order could balance any bowling leaks.

However, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions elsewhere and is still in the mix should England choose an all-pace attack, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, then, at a ground where England have not won a match for decades.

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