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It's not often for an England player is accused of whinging down under, but when the former captain was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket during the Ashes, he offered a straightforward answer.

“My personal view is no,” Root responded before England's practice in Brisbane. “Clearly highly popular and well-received here in Australia, and Australia boast a strong record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“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, is it essential? Probably not … but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We’ve got to play it, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Joe Root's Performance Under Lights Declines

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit in day-night games. The England star has featured in all seven England's pink-ball matches to date, and although a century in his debut such match versus the Windies in 2017, his overall average of 50.9 drops to just over 38 in these games.

On the other hand, paceman Mitchell Starc averages 28.97 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, but those numbers improve to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively with the pink ball. In his last floodlit game, in Jamaica, he took six for nine as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that were soon surpassed with seven for 58 in the next Test.

Key Battle Between Root and Starc Could Shape Series

The head-to-head between Root and Starc is emerging as one of the key contests in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing last week, it was Starc who got him out for zero and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that may not reach to slip in England. The second, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error on his part. “I know I’m a good player,” he said. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Challenges and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his preferred weapon nowadays—he admitted he should have listened his teammates' advice sooner—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, down one match, have more to overcome this week, and contributions by their premier batter would help them recover from their own mistakes.

It might not need a hundred should there be quick-fire match unfolds, but Root’s lack of a ton on Australian soil continues to haunt him. “I didn't get time to dwell on it,” he modestly answered on being questioned if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Team Selection and Historic Opportunity

Root and his teammates trained intensely 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.

Mark Wood’s absence due to a knee issue opens up a spot in the team, and Will Jacks practicing among the batsmen suggests he might be in contention. His off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight could balance any conceded runs.

That said, Josh Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and is still in the mix should England choose pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included last week. Plenty to consider, then, at a venue where England have not won a match in over 40 years.

“It's an opportunity to make history,” Root said regarding this. “It would make it even more satisfying if we win here.”